Spam texts, unable to reply or block

FFHillbilly

for months I've been getting spam messages about solar panel installation courses from " J Valente", tried to report to 7226 but hit a wall when it says "reply to them with xxx" as I can't reply, theres no option on my phone as it doesn't seem to come from a number, it just says "J Valente"
using basic android text messaging app, version 13.1.21.213
today I decided to click on the link in one of the messages, which is inviting me to a training course at Brightfield Business Hub on 29th June at 9am and it asks for my details which I didn't complete
Now I've tried googling the name ( J Valente) before this but drew a blank, today I searched for "J Valente Brightfield business hub" and this is the first hit
https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/business/peterboroughs-tv-apprentice-winner-launches-new-venture-3082930
I've never heard of this guy, but how can he be allowed to spam me constantly with texts and I have no option to opt out!?

Neil_Jones

Might help if you use the right number - 7726

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls

If this is stock Android messaing app should be able to press and hold on the message and then you get the option to report as Spam.

FFHillbilly

I did use 7726, I just put the wrong number on my post.

theres no option to report spam text that way, when I long press on the message I get this

with other messages, I can tap on the contact info at the top and block the number, but not on this one

JSmithy45AD

FFHillbilly said:

I did use 7726, I just put the wrong number on my post.

theres no option to report spam text that way, when I long press on the message I get this

with other messages, I can tap on the contact info at the top and block the number, but not on this one

Have a look on the Play Store for another text App, it's been awhile since I've needed an alternative being on Android 13 but just go off the reviews. The chances are you can find one that you can block with.

km1500

these sort of texts are unblockable on the standard messaging app because as you say they do not have a number associated with them

one way is to download the Google messages app from the play store which will have the facility you require

FFHillbilly

Google messaging app says short codes with letters can't be replied to 

Have just found a way to block them:

redux

You might use a whois lookup to find out about the website registration. There may be contact details there, so you can ask to be unsubscribed.

If it was me I'd be tempted to also talk to the Information Commissioner about this individual or business conducting unwanted marketing without permission to contact you.

wild666

I used to pay for True caller on my phone but stopped paying for it three years ago you can get a free option and set that as the default on the messaging and phone even with the free version it allows you to block individual messages or calls from unknown callers, you only ever get the one text or call then you choose to block the call or text and you shouldn't receive any more messages or calls as the app doesn't allow them to even notify you of the call or text as it is blocked before the phone notifies you of the call or text. 

FFHillbilly

is there a version of truecaller thats free, or is there a similar app that's free?

around 2017 I had a galaxy S8 which was their top phone at the time and it came with a call blocker installed that was brilliant, I have really missed it since but apparently they only install that on the top level phones, and I haven't bought one of those for a long time

muffins2

redux said:

You might use a whois lookup to find out about the website registration. There may be contact details there, so you can ask to be unsubscribed.

If it was me I'd be tempted to also talk to the Information Commissioner about this individual or business conducting unwanted marketing without permission to contact you.

I've given up reporting to ICO or Ofcom; takes ages to do, and nothing ever seems to happen. They claim great success in stopping scammers, but when I get calls - regularly - I look them up on who called me and such sites, and almost inevitably find they've been going for months with no action.