A text mail subscriber is a user who sends text messages via a web service instead of conventional mobile or landline services. It is impossible to call that user back. If you try, you will hear dead silence or a message that the text mail subscriber is unavailable. At the same time, the text mail subscriber will receive an email informing them of their attempt to contact you.
You have probably heard that the text mail subscriber is unavailable while you are trying to call back an unknown number. However, he needs to become more familiar with what a text mail subscriber means. Also, because the term is relevant to unknown numbers, it can be worrying not to know if it is a scam.
Now let’s get into who or what this text mail subscriber we’re talking about is. A text mail subscriber is typically a person or business that sends text messages to anyone asking them to take advantage of their offers or tell them about their purchases. They use web services, not conventional mobile or landline services, which assign them a number to disseminate text mail (alphanumeric messages, also known as plain text). At the same time, they can only receive email responses in plain text format, which is what they want in the first place.
A text mail subscriber may or may not be a scammer. There are legitimate businesses that rely on text mail for marketing purposes. Meanwhile, some scammers also use the method to lure people into their evil plans. As for how to tell if a subscriber’s text mail message is a scam or not, you’ll learn more about that as you read on.
Why would someone use a text mail subscriber?
Although it is now known what a text mail subscriber is, the mystery remains as to who is behind the text mail. After all, all you have is the number. Identifying a text mail subscriber is challenging, but you can still get clues about the sender’s identity. Individuals or companies can become text mail subscribers. The most common reasons why they use this service are:
Marketing. Businesses see signing up for text messages as a direct way to reach their audience. They use automated commercial texts to advertise their products and services. The audience can’t provide direct feedback, making subscribing to text mail a convenient advertising channel. Companies reach customers directly, avoiding negative comments about their promotions.
Cost savings. A text mail subscriber service can be cheaper than cell service plans. It can be a less expensive advertising option for businesses than other media channels like TV, social media, or radio.
Privacy. Each text mail subscriber uses a number generated by Internet telephony services. It is more difficult to trace than numbers from mobile service providers.
What is a text mail subscriber scam?
Speaking of text mail subscriber scams, some signs can reveal that the messages are scams from the start. Knowing them is an excellent alternative to trying to identify the sender. So, here are the red flags you should be aware of:
A text mail subscription service itself is not a scam. It is a tool that can become dangerous in the wrong hands. Scammers convert to text email subscribers to generate fraudulent messages. They can do this while hiding their identity behind an automatically generated phone number.
A Scam Example
Let’s look at an example of a text mail subscriber scam. Scammers can send anonymous text messages posing as reputable organizations like banks. The text message may require you to take immediate action to prevent your credit card from being blocked or accessed without permission. Such texts usually include clickable links where you can provide details, such as your bank account or social security number.
The result of clicking on such links is quite apparent: scammers use the acquired information to steal identities and commit fraud. For example, they may use your data to make unauthorized purchases, apply for loans, or take out credit in your name.
If you receive an unsolicited text message, do not reply or click on any links. The best thing to do is contact the organization that contacted you with a number or email address that you know to be reliable. This way, you can double-check if the warning you received is legitimate.
How can you tell if it is a scammer?
We already explained what a text mail subscriber is, but what are the signs that you could be a scammer? You can inspect the sender and the message you created for dangerous clues.
examining the message
Emergencies and scare tactics: Scammers may try to create momentum to reply to your message, saying that the situation requires immediate attention.
Grammatical or spelling errors. Grammatical errors indicate a lack of professionalism. For example, if a bank makes typos when contacting customers, it is likely a scammer trying to lure their victim into a trap.
Suspicious links. Suppose a message asks you to click a link to prevent something terrible from happening, don’t. Criminals are probably stealing your data.
Unrealistic offers or promises: A text saying you won a million dollars or inherited great wealth from a rich uncle sounds too good. Evaluate the validity of an offer because it could be a fraud, such as The Nigerian Prince scam.
Inaccurate information: If the message includes information such as title or company address, inspect if necessary. Scammers rarely double-check the facts.
Examining the sender
Check the sender’s phone number. Your browser can help you find out who the number that called or sent you a text belongs to. Just enter the subscriber number from the text mail into the web search engine (e.g., Google) to see if it gives any clues.
Verify the identity of the sender. Some social media platforms offer the “search by phone number” feature. You can type the number that contacted you in the search bar. This action could identify the person to whom the number belongs. It is important to note that the information may be out of date. For example, a person linked to the number used it long ago. Scammers may reuse the same number for their scams. So before jumping to conclusions, double-check your search results.
Ask others if they received the same message. Talking to your friends or family can also help. What if they are dealing with a similar situation? Share your knowledge and see if you can identify who the text mail subscriber is.
Use reverse phone lookup services. Reverse phone lookup apps can help you trace the identity of the caller. You can find out the location of the call and the person who called. The downside is that most of these apps require a fee.
How can you block a text mail subscriber?
Blocking a text mail subscriber depends on your mobile operator and device. You can find out how to block a number on iPhone or how to block a number on Android. General precautions to be aware of are:
Discuss it with your operator. Some mobile carriers can block text mail subscribers or specific phone numbers. Check with your operator if they can help you.
Use the lock feature on your device. Check your device settings to see if this feature is available.
Inform the text mails subscriber. If an unknown number attacks you with spam offers or other harassing content, you can report it to your carrier or the authorities.
It is essential to protect yourself from unwanted messages or possible scams. The following resources will provide additional information on how to:
Block robocalls
block emails
Block unwanted text messages
Use Incogni for the deletion of personal data
Use the National Do Not Call Registry
Conclusion
Text mail subscriber only sometimes means scammer. However, it is good to know how to identify who is still sending you messages and discern if the text message you are receiving is a scam or not. That way, you can better manage your phone’s influx of text messages. You can also protect yourself from fraudulent schemes or daily distractions.
But if you need help determining who the text mail subscriber is, it’s always best to block them immediately. Fortunately, doing so is as easy as blocking regular spam text messages, as you now know. If our guide was helpful, feel free to share this with others who are also wondering what a text mail subscriber is.