iphone help needed! Getting unwanted text messages

[LynneSin]

About every 1-2 weeks I get a text message that says I've won an Ipad or a $500 itune card or something else that let's face it - it's a scam and I haven't won anything.

Normally these would be things that I would ignore but the problem is this - I don't have a text plan on my iphone. I rarely text and can't see spending the money each month when I rarely send or receive more than 5 texts a month (and that's a busy text month for me!). Oh and I usually get one text a month from the Obama campaign - that I don't mind.

Thing is this - those unwanted texts I receive I still have to pay for those and it annoys me. Is there a way to block these things from being sent? Anyone else have these issues.

[klook]

1. A couple of suggestions here --

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-20102542-233/how-to-block-text-message-spam-on-your-iphone-at-t/

Be sure to check the comments also. Hope that helps!

[LynneSin]

3. I thought about that but I do actually use Text

If I'm in a crowded, noisy place sometimes text is the best option. I enjoy going to rock concert and talking on a cell phone is almost impossible. Sometimes it's easier to use a Cell phone to reach out to those in your group especially if you get separated.

[Major Nikon]

7. You might consider this

If you get the Textnow app, you can text message for free. The down side is you will have a separate number for text, but if you're only exchanging texts with a few people, it's not that hard to get them to use the alternate number. All they have to do is add the additional number to your contacts entry, and the texts will show up as you and they can reply normally. If you get to where you're using Textnow on a regular basis, you can tell your carrier to remove text messaging from your account, and never have to worry about paying for spam again.

[WillParkinson]

4. Well gee...

If you'd just reply with those nude pictures I could stop sending texts.

[Major Nikon]

6. I don't pay extra for unlimited text either

The suggestions listed in your first reply are good. The only thing else I've managed to do is get a $30 credit from AT&T. It rather pisses me off that AT&T doesn't do a better job of blocking these. I sent a message to their customer service, who promptly blew me off. So I forwarded that message to the CEO with a nasty reply. The next thing I know I get a call from someone in "executive customer service" who gave me the $30 credit.

One thing that's handy to know is that if you have the latest iOS on your iPhone, and the person you are exchanging texts with has an iPhone with the latest iOS, you can do iMessages which don't cost you the text message fee. It does this automatically. You will know it's working because the messages are light blue instead of green. My wife and daughter have an iPhone, and I can exchange texts with them for free.