Key Points
- This article talks about the annoyance and risk of receiving continuous OTP messages, known as SMS/OTP bombing.
- It explains how SMS/OTP bombing is done, reasons behind it (such as account takeover attempts, spam, and pranks), and the potential risks involved.
- It also provides 4 methods of how to stop getting continuous OTP messages, including using software tools or apps, using phone’s in-built option for blocking messages or simply changing some settings within your phone.
- If none of your actions works, this article guide you how to reach out to cyber-crime department for help.
- Additionally, it offers strategies for businesses to guard against SMS bombing and specific actions for UPI users in India.
Do you sometimes feel like your phone keeps vibrating because you are getting lots of OTP (One-Time Password) messages? You’re not the only one. Constant OTPs can be super annoying and even it is risky too. In this article we will talk all about why you get bombarded with OTPs. The potential risks related to that. And most importantly, how to stop that. So, keep reading.
What is SMS/OTP Bombing and How is it Done?
Understanding SMS/OTP Bombing
Alright, let’s break it down. SMS/OTP bombing is basically when someone or a group of people send tons of texts or one-time passwords to someone’s phone really quickly in a short interval of time. It is not fun at all because all those messages can totally mess up the person’s phone. It is like a bombardment of texts that can make their device practically unusable.
The Reasons
You know, the whole idea behind SMS/OTP bombing is to just bombard someone’s phone so they can’t do anything important with it. People might do this for different reasons, like:
- Account Takeover Attempts: These hackers send tons of OTPs hoping to catch the one you’re using to log into your accounts.
- Spam and Phishing: Sometimes, they do it to hide real OTPs or make you panic, so you end up clicking on bad links.
- Spam Marketing: Some not-so-honest businesses might send you lots of OTPs to avoid the rules and send you ads without your permission.
- Pranks: May be friends or any other not-so-good person send tons of annoying SMS to you mobile phone using some mean website or apps just for fun.
Potential Risk Involved
SMS/OTP bombing is a real concern for our security and privacy. It is very important for everyone like us and the organizations as well to know about it and must take the preventive measures to protect themselves and stay safe from such attacks.
How is OTP Bombing Done?
Well, they use automated tools like SMSBomber, YetAnotherSMSBomber, OTP Bomber, BombItUp, mobile app like Text Bomber or scripts that take advantage of weaknesses in online services, especially those that rely on phone numbers for registration or logins. These tools spam your number with OTP requests faster than you can say “stop!”
Now, onto the burning question
Why Am I Getting Continuous OTP Messages?
There could be a few reasons:
- Your number is leaked: If your phone number has been leaked online through a data breach or sold on the black market, it can be used for malicious purposes like OTP bombing.
- Your number might be accidentally linked to someone else’s account: During online registrations, typos or data leaks can lead to your number being mistakenly associated with another person’s account.
- You signed up for a compromised service: May be you signed up for a service that is not so great with security. As a result your number could end up being used for OTP bombing.
- Data breaches: If a service you use gets hacked. Your information, like your phone number, could end up in the hands of the wrong people. Then those bad folks could easily misuse it.
- Malware Infection: Though it is not so common but your phone could be infected by any malware. That malware on your phone might be secretly sending out OTP requests without your knowledge.
- Targeting for account takeover: Sometimes hackers go after specific phone numbers. May be because of your job, where you live or what you do online. They are trying to hijack your important accounts.
- Someone mistakenly entered your number: In common case, someone might accidentally type in your number when they are signing up for something. That could lead them end up getting your OTPs instead.
How to Stop Getting Continuous OTP Messages on Your Mobile Phone
Okay, let’s switch gears from all the bad stuff to some solutions. Here’s how you can put a stop to those never-ending OTP messages once and for all:
Method 1: Using Software Tools or Apps
If you’re getting bombarded with unwanted SMS or OTP messages because someone is misusing your phone number. You can put a stop to it. Check out websites that offer SMS bombing services (like the ones mentioned earlier) and sign up to their “Do Not Disturb” list. Doing this can stop those annoying messages from reaching your phone. Also, here are some other websites/apps you can try:
BOMBITUP
Most people prefer using apps or websites on their phones for these things. When looking for a prank SMS bombing solution, the first app you’ll likely come across is BOMBITUP. You can find it at https://www.bombitup.net/. But, just so you know, it’s not on the official Google App Store, so you have to download it from their website using the APK file they provide.
CAUTION: Be careful when you’re downloading APK files from places other than official app stores. They could be risky and might have harmful stuff like rootkits in them, alright? Safety first!
Here are various other softwares that allow you to protect your phone number from SMS bombing
Still receiving SMS/OTP bombs despite taking measures to protect your phone number? Try this yourself on your phone
Method 2: Blocking Suspect Messages
If you’re not sure where those SMS or OTP messages are coming from on your phone, here’s what you can do to stop them. First, as a safety measure, put your number on the protected list using the first method. If that doesn’t work, you can try the steps I’ll explain next.
For Android
- Open Messaging App
- Find the Message
- Long-Press the Message
- Access Message Options
- Select “Block” or “Add to Spam“
- Confirm Block
- Complete the Process
For iPhone
- Open Messages App
- Find the Message
- Tap the Sender’s Name
- Tap the “Info” (i) Icon
- Scroll Down and Tap “Block this Caller“
- Confirm the Block
Method 3: Effective Solutions without Apps or Changes in Settings
If you are dealing with a bunch of unwanted texts bombarding your phone, here is what you can do to get things back under control:
- First off, try turning on Airplane mode for a bit. This cuts off your phone from the network temporarily.
- If that doesn’t stop the bombardment, you can try some other tricks, like putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode or getting in touch with your mobile company for help.
- Another option is to use apps that block spam texts. Apps like Truecaller, RoboKiller, or Spam Blocker can help you identify and stop those annoying messages.
These solutions work on both iPhones and Androids, and they’re pretty good at stopping SMS bombing and giving you back some peace with your phone.
Still receiving SMS/OTP bombs despite taking measures to protect your phone number?
Method 4: Reporting CyberCrimes
If you are still getting bombarded with messages even though you have tried everything, then it is time to bring in the experts. Let the cybercrime authorities know what is happening. And they will take care of it. Also, don’t forget to tell those companies too. The more people working on this, the better chance we have of stopping it.
To report a cybercrime, follow these steps:
- Open your web browser and head over to the official website: https://cybercrime.gov.in.
- Once you’re on the homepage, look for the ‘File a complaint‘ option and give it a click.
- Next, you’ll see some terms and conditions. Read them carefully, then hit the ‘Report other cybercrime‘ button.
- Choose the ‘citizen login‘ option and fill in your details like your name, email, and phone number.
- You’ll get a code sent to your phone. Type that in along with the captcha code, then hit submit.
- Now, you’ll see a form where you can share information about the cybercrime you want to report.
- This form’s split into four parts: 1) General Info, 2) Victim Info, 3) Cybercrime Info, and 4) Preview. Fill in all out and double-check for mistakes.
- Once everything looks good, hit ‘Submit‘.
- You might be asked for more info or evidence, like screenshots or files. Add those and click ‘Save and Next‘.
- Got info on the suspect? Share it on the next page.
- Double-check all your details and hit ‘Submit‘.
- Done! You’ll get a confirmation saying your complaint’s been registered. Plus, they’ll email you a complaint ID and all the important details.
Just a quick reminder: if you come across any cybercrime, make sure to gather all the important stuff like screenshots of messages, details of any weird stuff going on, and if you can, the contact info of the people involved.
Don’t forget, you can always reach out to your local police station too, especially if it’s a serious problem. They’re there to help!
Strategies for Businesses
It is super important for businesses to guard against SMS bombing to keep their business running smoothly. Keep their good name. Make sure customers trust them. Here are some simple steps businesses can take to stay safe from SMS bombing:
- Implement Robust Security Measures
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Rate Limiting and Monitoring
- Use CAPTCHA and Human Verification
- Educate Customers
- Introducing Email Verification
- Limit SMS Communications sensitive transactions and communications
- SMS Filtering and Blacklisting
- Collaborate with Mobile Service Provider
- Develop Incident Response Plan
- Regular Updates and Testing
- Legal Recourse
What Do You Do If Someone Is Using Your Number for OTPs?
Alright, so if you think someone’s using your number for those OTP things, you gotta act fast:
- Change Your Passwords: Right away, change all your passwords for the accounts connected to your phone number.
- Get in Touch with the Companies: Tell both your phone company and the place sending those OTPs about the problem.
- Think about Getting a New Number: If things are really bad, you might want to think about getting a new number to stop them from messing with you anymore.
Specific Actions for UPI Users in India
Finally, UPI users don’t panic! If you’re using any UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm, here’s what you should do if you run into any issues:
- Get in touch with the customer support of your UPI app: Each app has its own support team to help users like you. Just reach out to them for any UPI verification. Tell them what’s going on and do what they suggest.
- Watch out for scams: Sometimes, scammers might try to trick you with fake emails or calls, pretending to be helpful. Be smart and only talk to the real customer support team through the official channels. Don’t fall for any tricks!
In Conclusion: Stay Sharp, Stay Safe
So there you have it, folks. OTP bombardment might be a pain, but with a bit of know-how and some proactive measures, we can put an end to the madness. So stay vigilant, keep those passwords strong, and don’t let those pesky messages get the best of you. You’ve got this!
Hi I am Harish. I am a blogger, writer. I am also a photographer. I love to share my thoughts and experiences through the words in my blog. Thank you.
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