The use of smartphones has surged over the past five years, attributed to the convenience and services they offer to users. Whether it’s booking a hotel or ordering food, app-powered smartphones are a technological marvel in the hands of enthusiasts.
Despite the myriad advantages, smartphone usage is not without its challenges, particularly concerning malware controversies and espionage concerns. One prevalent issue is the invasion of privacy by marketing companies and promoters who obtain users’ contact numbers to send spammy messages and phishing links.
Addressing this concern, Google has implemented a feature in its message settings to empower users against malicious content. Here’s a simple guide on how to report spam and phishing in the Google Messages application on your Android smartphone:
Open the Google Messages application on your Android device. Look for the messaging app, typically represented by a hamburger or bubble-shaped icon, predominantly white with blue in the middle.
- Locate the specific message you want to mark as spam or phishing and long-press on it. This action will prompt a new menu to appear on the right side.
- Tap on the menu, and you’ll find an option labeled ‘Report Spam’ or ‘Report Phishing.’ Select the appropriate option.
- Confirm your decision when prompted by the Google Messages app.
By reporting spam and phishing attempts, Google incorporates these contacts into its advanced AI algorithms designed to detect and block such content in the future. This proactive approach helps safeguard users from unwanted and potentially harmful messages.
It’s essential to exercise caution when sharing contact details, avoiding disclosure at fuel stations or shopping outlets where marketing agents often seek such information. Corporate employees may share acquired contact details with individuals and companies, leading to the unauthorized use of this data.
Given the infrequency of changing contact numbers, taking steps to defend and isolate your mobile device from spam and phishing attempts becomes crucial in securing sensitive information from unwanted solicitation by advertising companies.
