Verizon: How to control cellphone spam

What should customers do if they see spam text messaging charges on their bill?

• Review monthly bills online through MyVerizon and make sure they understand all the charges.
• Let us know if they don't understand a charge so we can help identify where that charge is coming from.
• If a customer didn't request a service that's billed, we'll help them opt out of that service.
• Verizon Wireless looks at these charges on a case-by-case basis, but generally our reps will refund unwanted PSMS charges up to $100, with no questions asked.
• When we notice a pattern of problems from any particular content company, we work to rectify the issue – fast.
• Customers can add a Premium SMS block to their accounts to prevent any of this content from reaching their phones.

What can customers do ahead of time to prevent these charges?

Wireless Technology is extremely popular and customers want to be able to do everything directly from their smartphones and tablets including shopping, paying bills, hiring for services and enjoying entertainment options such as purchasing music, books, movies and games. It is important that customers are vigilant to protect their personal information while using wireless technology.

We encourage our customers to take several steps to ensure their information is protected:

• Verify the source before entering your private information. (Just as you would on a computer.)
• Check endorsements and reviews of third party applications before downloading them to your smartphone.
• Read the disclaimers, terms and conditions for applications before agreeing. Many of them specify that they share your geographic and other information with the third-party provider of the apps, so read carefully before clicking through.
• Always secure your phone. Be sure to keep it on you or locked safely.
• If you change devices, be sure to complete a factory reset on your device so your information is wiped clean.

When disposing of old cellphones, do not simply throw them away. Return them to the store or donate them to Hopeline, a program designed to safely sweep and recycle cellphones in an environmentally friendly way.

Take advantage of the free app: Net Safety Tips on the GO found in vCast. This app includes advice and tools on securing data and devices, being attentive to sharing privacy issues, family safety and wireless safety.

– Information courtesy of Karen Schulz, Verizon spokeswoman