Block SMS on iOS based on content / keyword?

April 17, 2020 7:40 AM

I have a constant spammer sending SMS to my work iPhone. It always contains the same unique, wrong name. Can I create a filter somewhere to block these so I don't ever have to see them again?

I always go in and manually "block this caller" but they are able to constantly generate new numbers. About every day or so I get a new message about dick pills, or my overdue Amazon shipment, or some other nonsense. The thing is, they are always personalized, addressed to the same person named Klaus. As in, "Klaus, you don't want to miss these dick pills", or "Dear Klaus, click here to update your delivery instructions for your $847.39 Amazon order."

I'm not Klaus. Is there a way I can set up a filter either on the phone or on the provider website (Verizon) to block all messages containing "Klaus" before they hit my phone or generate a notification?

posted by glonous keming to Technology (2 answers total)

I have the same question. Ever since my wife got her number from Verizon, she's been inundated with text spams for "Bonnie." We think Bonnie used to have the number my wife now has. As with your "Klaus", the name "Bonnie" is the only commonality in all the messages.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:10 AM on April 17, 2020

As with adblockers, this looks to be something that third-party apps can help with. I've not had cause to try doing this myself, so I have no personal recommendations, but searching the UK App Store for 'spam blocker SMS' turned up some possibilities.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 8:24 AM on April 17, 2020