Spam text messages can be annoying, but did you know they are illegal? Some common scams use text message spam to lure you into revealing personal information in exchange for a “free gift” like a gift card or vacation package.

How it works: In order to collect your gift, the message will instruct you to reply to the text with your personal information such as a bank account or your social security number. The spammer may charge your bank account so you can claim your “free gift” that you will probably never receive.

In certain situations, spammers then sell your personal information to outside parties, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft.

Take these step to limited your chances of getting scammed:

1) Register your number on the Do Not Call List.

2) Delete spam messages.

3) Never click on links provided in spam messages. Links often carry malware or send you to fake websites.

4) Never reply to these text messages or give out your personal information.

5) Report the text spam to your cell phone carrier by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM).

6) Report any unwanted commercial text messages to the FTC.