spam – Topical Fruit

Replying “STOP” to Spam Texts Could Make Things Worse

It might seem like the responsible thing to do: you get a weird text from a mystery number, and at the bottom it says, “Reply STOP to opt out.”

But before you tap that reply button, you might want to reconsider. In some cases, responding at all could actually increase the amount of spam you receive.

Here’s why: Replying “STOP” confirms to the sender that your phone number is active, and that someone is reading those texts. That tiny bit of data is gold to scammers and spammers. Once they know you’re real, your number could be targeted even more—or sold to other shady senders. Not ideal.

Now, this doesn’t mean replying “STOP” is always a bad idea. If you get a message from a trusted source—your bank, pharmacy, school, or even a retailer you’ve opted into—it’s usually safe to reply and opt out that way. These organizations are required to follow opt-out laws, and replying “STOP” should actually unsubscribe you.

But if the message feels sketchy or unexpected, don’t respond at all. Instead, block the number and report it as spam if your phone allows it.

On both iPhones and Android devices, blocking a number takes just a few taps. You can also turn on spam filters in your message settings for added protection.

So next time a random number promises you a free cruise or claims there’s a problem with your delivery, resist the urge to reply. Ignore, block, and move on. Letting that “STOP” message fly could open the door to even more junk.

And let’s be honest—your phone already has enough notifications. You don’t need extra spam yelling at you about your car’s extended warranty.

A.I. Might Become Your Personal Receptionist

A.I.’s day job is still destroying civilization, but it’s also picking up a side-hustle as your personal answering machine.

AT&T is testing a new “A.I. receptionist” that screens your calls… kind of like a bouncer for your phone. Its job? Block spam, make you look important, and occasionally irritate your grandma when she calls to ask about Netflix.

Here’s how it works: When a call comes in, the bot answers with questions like, “Who may I say is calling?” or “What’s this in regard to?” If the caller gives the right answers, the call gets through. If not, the system hangs up or takes a message. Basically, it’s like caller ID on steroids… with a passive-aggressive personality.

This could be a game-changer for anyone who can’t just ignore numbers they don’t recognize… like doctors, business owners, or people who owe money to six different credit card companies.

There are a couple of catches though.

You might have to interact with the A.I. receptionist yourself, which means you could get interrogated like you’re trying to enter Fort Knox, when you’re just calling a friend. (People would be able to whitelist numbers.)
And yes, it does raise the terrifying possibility of your A.I. and the telemarketer’s A.I. getting stuck in an endless loop of “What is this in regard to?” until the heat death of the universe.

The system will roll out this year for select AT&T customers. No word on when it’ll go nationwide… but hey, at least until the robots take over, your car’s extended warranty guy might finally stop calling. Or, have someone else to talk to.