I have cell service through Sprint and they offer the ability to block texts, voice or both from specific numbers.  Once I receive an unsolicited text or phone call I simply add that number to the blocked list, works well.

"the government" is YOU. You are the government. There is no secret agency wanting to sell your cell number. If they did, every single one of the millions of registered users would be getting evil solicitations twenty times a day.

I just found out that VERIZON does sell it's customers phone numbers even though I have been on the Do not call registry for years. Shame on you Verizon.

5/10/12  I got one from 605-319-6415 - same thing celloptout.com. I didn't reply and I AM on the donotcall registry so it is so frustrating! There seems to be no way to keep cell numbers from being scammed! If it's free and you didn't sign up for it then it's always a scam :)

Weird that I just received two similar text messages within two days. One from 786-205-6328 and one from 904-263-0762. The first one was for an iPad 2, the second was for a Best Buy gift card. Very weary about opting out on its website, celloptout.com. Hopefully, I won't receive anymore. Will ignore them for now.

Just reported spam to Verizon.  They will direct you to their website to block calls and messages.  vzw.com>my verizon>block calls and messages.  Awesome!!

That is the most useful information I seen yet.  Many thanks!!!

Just received another text but a different number this time

Just got a text from this number with the message "We are giving away iPad2's to the first 1000 mobile users that go to http://giveawaysonmobile.com and enter code 4080 to qualify.  Optout at celloptout.com
I refuse to give this website my cell number to opt out...

I am on the DNC registry god knows how they got my number

Took advice from Big Dave and reported text to my carrier ---- To stop spam texts you can report the spam to the carrier. If you?re an AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon subscriber, copy the text and send it to SPAM (7726). You?ll then receive another text asking for the sender?s phone number. Neither message will incur a charge.

Remove my number from your list.

Your cell phone carrier can be selling your number as well. Mine has done that in the past.

Add 570-446-2974 to this list

To stop spam texts you can report the spam to the carrier. If you?re an AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon subscriber, copy the text and send it to SPAM (7726). You?ll then receive another text asking for the sender?s phone number. Neither message will incur a charge.

Who is behind this number??

I JUST received the exact same text message as the first reply, except iPad3s, though from a different number.  I have NEVER received a spam text message before.  About an hour ago I signed up for a Skype account and they asked for my mobile number.  It states that only people you are connected with will see your mobile number.  It's an odd coincidence.  I'm wondering if anyone else has a Skype acct. where they provided their mobile number and if anyone does not...which would possibly rule out Skype passing on the number.

I've had my number on the DNC registry for years & it wasn't until just recently that I started to receive unwanted text. My suggestion is to block those numbers you get from scammers. FYI - there is no way to use the DNC registry to obtain numbers - its used to do a cross check. Before people point fingers, first think about what you put your phone number on. If it does not clearly state they DON'T sell your info be careful! This goes for your email & physical address too.

I DEFINITELY agree!!! I was NOT receiving these annoying texts until I registered on the DO NOT CALL registry. My BF as well. We even get texts from the same numbers on the same days. I definitely think adding your number to the do not call registry only makes things worse!

You can report these unsolicited messages to the FCC:
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088.action?form_type=1088G

I signed up for the NCL in '06 and receive virtually no calls of any kind any more (maybe 2-3 per week on the average, some weeks none at all).. The problem with the NCL is that it covers a relatively small percentage of calls. Surveyors and non-profits aren't required to observe it and criminals and scammers couldn't care less about it. The fact that you're receiving more calls since signing up for the NCL is coincidental. Just because B happened after A doesn't mean A caused B.

I get these calls and texts all the time, and honestly I started receiving them more often after I entered my information in the national do not call registry. I recommend that you do not give your cell number to the government as they obviously give your cell phone number to just about anyone without checking the validity of the companies and sources. I have also tried filing complaints on many of the numbers and they keep on coming... obviously nothing is done.

Like many of you I have received numerous messages from unwanted individuals. What has been so upsetting about this is that I have no idea how they got my number. If anyone knows how to stop these messages from coming let me know I'm willing to try anything. Thanks in advance for any information that will help. Recent messages were from 1-508-977-8372, 1-631-245-3408, 1-202-351-1168

Stay away from giveawaysonmobile. Likely a scamming website as giveawaysonmobile.com was registered on 03/25/2012, just 2 days ago, to a domain proxy (a front company that registers websites for owners who don't want to be found). Stay away. celloptout.com was registered 03/10/2012 or just 17 days ago, again to the *same* domain proxy. Stay away from celloptout. In the US, you can register your number with the national DoNotCall Registry here https://www.donotcall.gov/ though I think it has never ever been legal to telemarket cell phones in the US. The DoNotCall Registry works on voluntary compliance like speed limit signs on highways. Honest telemarketers honor the Registry, abusive telemarketers and scammers do not. Adding your number will not stop abusive telemarketers and scammers from hounding you. Don't know about Canada, if you're in Canada. Best of luck, stay away from those websites.

Just got a text from this number with the message "We are giving away iPad2's to the first 1000 mobile users that go to http://giveawaysonmobile.com and enter code 4080 to qualify.  Optout at celloptout.com

I went to celloptout.com and it does take you to a website to enter your phone number, but I am leary that I am letting them know it is a valid number.  These stupid texts cost me .20 each since I don't have a text plan and this is BS.  I'd love to know who is giving them my number, since when I make online purchases, I use a bogus number to keep this from happening.  Must be my bank or credit card company or someone along those lines who sells their customer info.......   Arrghhhh!!!