Illinois iPhone Users, Here’s How To Preemptively Block Spam Texts

Scammers, scammers everywhere. Those dirty birds try to do a sneak attack in our emails, through phone calls, and in our texts. (They're probably sliding into DMs too.) It's annoying and iPhones allow users to report incoming texts as junk but what about blocking texts before they even reach your inbox?

Maybe you're wanting to block all incoming texts from numbers you don't recognize. Guess what? It's possible with a new update in iOS 16.1.

Scammers have come up with new tools and strategies in an effort to take your money or steal your information. In early 2022, some iPhone users received texts from their own numbers claiming to be from Verizon and falsely informing users that their accounts needed to be updated. Others received a text from "Xfinity" claiming their account would be terminated if the person didn't update their account. Then there were texts coming from a source claiming to be the DMV phishing for social security numbers.

Stop The Madness!

If you have the latest version of iOS 16 on your iPhone you will no longer need to cringe when a text from an unfamiliar number appears in your messages.

1. "Settings"

Search for your iPhone's "Settings" app.

2. "Messages"

Scroll until you find the "Messages" tab and tap to open.

3. Tap "Filter Unknown Senders" as shown.

Look for "MESSAGE FILTERING" and tap to make sure the option is selected.

The option to block texts from unknown numbers is set but this is not a perfect solution. Any number that is not saved in your Contacts will be blocked, meaning all texts from unsaved numbers will be blocked. You can also do this with calls by viewing your recent calls, tapping the "i" (with a circle around it), and tapping "Block This Caller."

Want to see who you've blocked or want to unblock a number?

• Open the Settings app
• Tap "Phone"
• Tap "Call Blocking & Identification." You should see a list of all the phone numbers you've blocked on your iPhone
• Swipe the number you want to unblock to the left and then tap "Unblock"

Want some more tips?