Annoying RCS Spam from Fantasy Gaming Apps – How to Stop It?

[Anand_Avn]

How to Stop Receiving Unwanted Promotional Messages via RCS ??

Lately, with the IPL season approaching, I’ve noticed a surge in RCS messages promoting fantasy gaming apps like Dream11 and My11Circle. Additionally, I’m receiving promotional messages from brands like Jio Offers and Tata Neu.

While some of these messages stopped after replying with "STOP," others continue to appear from different sender IDs. For example, despite blocking four such IDs, I still received messages from a fifth one (as shown in the attached image).

2nd image: 5 Id's has been blocked still I'm receiving with 6th ID's (1st image)

My Concerns:

1. What solutions are available other than completely turning off RCS?
2. I have never downloaded apps like Dream11, My11Circle, or Rummy, yet I keep receiving their messages. How did they get my phone number?
3. I have little to no interest in cricket, so I’m unsure why I'm being targeted with these promotions.

Any suggestions on how to permanently stop these messages would be appreciated!

[Oneui_new]

Yes everybody got these useless ads but we can just Report it as spam and block it.

[Anand_Avn]

😫 tired of blocking

[Oneui_new]

Use Samsung Messages app or stop RCS

[Anand_Avn]

Using samsung messages app since purchased of phone... they are using other Id's to send promotional messages...

[AmitSingh90]

Stop your rcs service

[Anand_Avn]

Feature turns headache 😫

[AmitSingh90]

Yes 🤚

[AmitSingh90]

I also get spam so I have to close the RCS

[iamkkronly]

I understand your frustration with receiving unwanted promotional messages via RCS, especially since blocking individual senders seems ineffective. It's definitely annoying to be bombarded with messages you didn't ask for. Let's explore some solutions to stop these messages without completely turning off RCS:

Block Sender IDs (Even if It Seems Ineffective): Continue to block each new sender ID you receive a promotional message from. While it may seem like a game of whack-a-mole, blocking as many IDs as possible will eventually reduce the number of messages you receive.

Report Spam via Messages App: Most modern messaging apps (including Google Messages) have a built-in spam reporting feature. Long-press on the message and look for options like "Report spam" or "Block and report spam." Reporting the messages helps Google identify and filter out spam senders.

Check Carrier Settings: Contact your mobile carrier (e.g., Jio) and inquire about options for blocking promotional messages or managing your communication preferences. Some carriers offer services that allow you to filter or block certain types of messages.

Use Third-Party Spam Filtering Apps: There are third-party apps available that specialize in filtering and blocking spam SMS and RCS messages. Search the Google Play Store for apps like "SMS spam filter" or "Call and SMS blocker" and choose one with good reviews and a strong reputation.

Check App Permissions: Review the permissions granted to apps installed on your phone. Some apps may request permission to send SMS or RCS messages, which they could be using to send promotional content. Revoke any unnecessary permissions.

Be Cautious About Sharing Your Phone Number: Be mindful of where you share your phone number online or in physical forms. Avoid providing your number to untrusted sources or participating in online contests or promotions that seem suspicious.

Set Message Limits (If Available): Check Google Messages.

Check RCS Settings:

Open Google Messages.

Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner.

Select "Settings," then "RCS chats."

Review the available settings. Look for options related to message delivery reports, read receipts, and typing indicators. Adjust these settings to your preference, but note that they may not directly affect spam messages.

It's difficult to say exactly how these companies obtained your phone number. Common sources include:

Data Brokers: Companies that collect and sell personal information, including phone numbers.

App Permissions: Some apps may collect and share your contact information.

Public Records: Phone numbers can sometimes be found in public records.

Random Number Generation: Spammers may use automated systems to generate random phone numbers and send messages to them.

I hope these suggestions help you reduce the number of unwanted RCS messages you're receiving. It may take a combination of strategies to effectively block them.