Unwanted text messages constantly buzzing on your phone can drive you nuts. But could a common step many of us take to stop them be doing the opposite? Often, a text message will say to reply “STOP” to stop future messages. Some users online claim replying “STOP” will unsubscribe you. But others say replying increases your chances of receiving more unwanted text messages. The FCC warns against responding to unwanted texts from questionable sources. Some scammers may be after your money, while others want your personal information or to simply confirm a number is active for use in future scams, the agency warns. Verizon warns its customers not to respond to unwanted or suspicious texts, not even to say “STOP.” Directly replying to a spam text message lets a spammer know that your number is genuine, according to digital security software company Norton. After you reply, they can sell your phone number to other spammers, AARP says. Scammers sometimes pose as legitimate, familiar businesses and use urgent language to convince you to take action to secure a benefit, resolve a problem or avert a threat, according to AARP. Scammers recently impersonated SunPass, sending drivers phony messages about unpaid tolls with links to spoof websites designed to steal personal banking information. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/unwanted-text-messages-reply-stop/67-a059cfbc-be4d-40f4-81ac-621d62fd5df5 ►Subscribe: https://on.wtsp.com/youtube ►Website: https://www.wtsp.com/ ►Facebook: https://facebook.com/10TampaBay ►X: https://twitter.com/10TampaBay