Some tips to be mindful when receiving SMSes from short codes:
• Read the SMS carefully before giving consent or opting in to the service.
Typically the SMS will ask you to type YES or Y in reply to the short code to subscribe.
• Do not click on any links within the SMS as it might lead you to accidentally subscribing to a service.
• Do not subscribe to any services from any unfamiliar or suspicious SMSes.
• Do not click on any suspicious banners or links that indicate you have won a prize.
• Do not enter your mobile number on any unfamiliar or suspicious webpages.
• Do not enter your phone number if a page shows that “your phone has a virus” and asks for your phone number to clear it.
• Beware of ads that may lead you to phishing websites.
• Beware of installing third party apps other than from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Beware of granting permissions to third party apps to send SMSes from your phone.