Avoid being a victim of personal and financial information theft through text messages and spam. For this purpose, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) explains and gives some recommendations.
Profeco mentions that spam are unsolicited and unwanted text messages that can be used to deceive the user.
Spam in mobile communications can be used to commit fraud, sell something or trick you into providing personal information such as user names, passwords or access codes.
These messages are accompanied by texts about prizes or financial support, products or services at bargain prices, false job offers, enrollment in government programs and even advice about charges to your bank account or blocked cards.
The good news is that such messages can be blocked.
- Open the messaging application.
- On the main screen, press and hold the conversation you want to block.
- Select block and then accept
Another action you can take is to register your cell phone number in the Registro Público para Evitar Publicidad (REPEP).
This registry was created by Profeco as a protection mechanism that will serve to facilitate the exercise of consumers' right not to be bothered with unwanted advertising and not to have their information used for marketing or advertising purposes.
In REPEP you will be able to register your number and avoid advertising in the commerce, telecommunications and tourism sectors.
Registration in the REPEP will be valid indefinitely, and cancellation will be voluntary at any time at the consumer's request.
It considers that political organizations, charitable entities and telephone pollsters are excluded from REPEP, provided that they do not advertise goods, products or services.
Most importantly, do not share personal or financial information through text messages or e-mail, even if they appear to come from known sources. Scammers often pretend to be legitimate institutions.
