What is a text mail subscriber? Recognize when it’s a scam

The term text mail subscriber refers to a user who sends text messages via a web service instead of using conventional mobile or landline services. Calling back such a user is impossible. If you try, you’ll hear a dead-end silence or a message that the text mail subscriber is unreachable. At the same time, the text mail subscriber will get an email informing them of your attempt to get in touch.

Individuals or companies can become text mail subscribers. The most common reasons why they use this service are:

• Marketing. Companies see text message subscribing as a direct way to reach their audience. They use automated commercial texts to advertise their products and services. The audience cannot provide any direct feedback, and that also makes text mail subscribing a convenient advertising channel. Companies reach clients directly, avoiding negative comments about their promotions.
• Cost savings. A text mail subscriber service can be cheaper for individuals than mobile service plans. For companies, it can be a less costly advertising option than other media channels such as TV, social, or radio.
• Privacy. Every text mail subscriber uses a number generated by internet phone services. It is more difficult to track than numbers from mobile service providers.

A text mail subscriber service itself isn’t a scam. It’s a tool that can become dangerous in the wrong hands. Scammers become text mail subscribers in order to generate fraudulent messages. They can do so while hiding their identity behind an auto-generated phone number.

Let’s discuss a text mail subscriber scam example. Fraudsters might send anonymous text messages pretending to be reputable organizations such as banks. The text message might demand you take immediate action in order to prevent your credit card from being blocked or accessed without permission. Such texts usually include clickable links where you can provide your personal data like your bank account or social security number.

The outcome of clicking on such links is pretty obvious – scammers use the acquired info to steal identities and commit fraud. For instance, they can use your personal data to make unauthorized purchases, apply for loans, or take credit in your name.

If you receive an unsolicited text message – do not respond to it or click on any links. The best you can do is contact the organization that reached out to you with a number or an email address you know is trustworthy. This way, you can double-check whether the warning you received is legitimate.

We’ve already explained what a text mail subscriber is, but what are the signs that they could be a scammer? You can inspect both the sender and the message they created to spot dangerous clues.

Examining the message

• Urgency and scare tactics. Scammers may try to create an urge to respond to their message, saying that the situation requires immediate attention.
• Grammatical or spelling errors. Grammar mistakes signal a lack of professionalism. For instance, if a bank makes typos when contacting customers, chances are it’s a fraudster trying to lure their victim into a trap.
• Suspicious links. If a message demands you to click a link in order to stop something bad from happening – don’t do it. Criminals are probably phishing your data.
• Unrealistic offers or promises. A text that says you won a million dollars or inherited massive wealth from a rich uncle sounds too good to be true. Evaluate the validity of an offer because it might be a fraud, such as The Nigerian Prince scam.
• Inaccurate information. If the message includes data such as the company’s title or address, inspect if it’s accurate. 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 texted you belongs to. Simply input the text mail subscriber’s number to the web search engine (for example, Google) and see if it gives any leads.
• Verify the sender’s identity. Some social media platforms offer “search by phone number” functionality. You can try to type in the number that reached out to you in the search bar. This action might identify the person that the number belongs to. It’s important to note that the information might be outdated. For example, a person linked to the number used it a long time ago. It’s possible that scammers reuse the same number for their frauds. So before making conclusions double-check your search results.
• Ask others if they got the same message. Talking to your friends or relatives 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 applications can help you track the identity of the caller. You might discover the location from where the call was made and the person who called. The downside is that most of these apps require paying a fee.

Blocking a text mail subscriber depends on the mobile carrier and device that you use. You can find out how to block a number on iPhone or how to block a number on Android. The general precautions you should consider are:

1. Discuss it with your carrier. Some mobile carriers offer the option of blocking text mail subscribers or specific phone numbers. Check with your carrier if they can help you.
2. Use the blocking feature on your device. See your device’s settings to see if this feature is available.
3. Report the text mail subscriber. If an unknown number attacks you with unwanted offers or other harassing content, you can report it to your carrier or law enforcement.

Protecting yourself from unwanted messages or potential scams is a must. The following resources will provide additional information on how to:

• Block robocalls
• Block emails
• Block spam text messages
• Use Incogni for personal data removal
• Use the National Do Not Call Registry

FAQ

What is a text mail subscriber voicemail?

Text mail subscriber voicemail is a service that allows users to turn voicemails into plain text emails. Apps such as TextNow or Google Voice can transform your voice messages into text and send them to other users.

What does the message “the text mail subscriber is unavailable” mean?

“The text mail subscriber is unavailable” means that the person or the company using text mail subscriber services can only receive responses in plain text emails. You might hear this message when calling back an unknown number.

Can a text mail subscriber receive phone calls?

Yes, but only in some cases. If a text mail subscriber uses an app that turns voicemails into texts, you can send them a voice response that will be transformed into an email. Having a phone conversation with a text mail subscriber is impossible.

What is a text mail subscriber on Craigslist?

The advertising platform Craiglist offers its users the option of using a text mail subscriber service. By choosing it, users can receive responses to their announcements via text message or email only. However, text mail subscribing on Craigslist raises security concerns.