Any good ideas to get someone to stop texting you?

I can block his number for 60 days at a time but it is a hassle. I have to go through customer service at my cell phone carrier and then re-set up the voice mail and other settings each time. I get peace for about 2 months and as soon as the block expires then the messages start up again.

I bought a home theater system from this guy on eBay. He was repairing and selling them online. I contacted him and asked if he wanted the old one, it has a bad DVD laser reader and I found the part for about $5. I told him I would send it to him for free if he wanted to repair and sell. I figured it was worth more to him than for me to put in the trash. He said he was not interested and I thought that would be the end of it.

No good deed goes unpunished. Later that day he sends me a potty humor text message. I assumed it was sent on accident and disregarded the text. A few hours later I get another one. The next day a few more. I message him back and tell him he can please remove me from his group text. He writes back "You can block me" I ask him again. Same reply. Then he starts harassing me. Just dumb stuff, but constant. I start replying to every text with "Fuck Off" This just really gets him going and he is texting hundreds of times. It is really time consuming and I would like to get him to leave me alone. The block on my service just expired again and I have not called to get it set up again.

Any ideas?

 

Personally I'd just get a new number. Otherwise don't you have harassment laws in place? Seek legal advice/speak to police maybe?

 

Just delete the texts every time you answer your making them do it more dont reply

 

Search online what his carrier is, call his cellphone provider and place a complaint. SAve the messages for evidence.

If you use an iPhone, you can block that number from the contact info menu. It's a permanent block. I would save the number in contacts first, so you don't lose track of who you blocked in the future.

Also: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-block-phone-calls-on-your-android-smartphone/

 

Whenever I sell online, I just use my Google voice number to text. I have never used my primary number to sell but I should do the same with chatting and glad I never had any issues. There are call/texting blocking apps on Android, not sure about iOS. You may just have to change your number.

 

You missed the "group message" part. It'll never stop. Messages are coming in unprovoked.

 

I use "SideLine" phone app to conduct business with potentially questionable people. There are other anonymous phone number burner apps as well.

 

It is my business mobile so tougher to just change it. The laws on phone harassment are pretty vague and the research I did basically doesn't offer much help.

 

I have not replied in 3 months. He keeps sending anyway and it is really just a hassle to keep deleting every day. More like dripping water/irritation than anything.

 

I like that about iPhone. I did find that. I cannot seem to find an Android app option for this. I have not tried to approach his carrier. I looked into it and didn't find much help. I called my carrier and they only offer the 60 day blocking option.

 

That is a good idea. I didn't expect this guy to be such a jerk since it was his business number I was calling.

 

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-block-phone-calls-on-your-android-smartphone/

Call his provider and place a complaint.

 

Perhaps find a lawyer who specialises in harassment cases? It may cost but what cost can you put on peace of mind?

 

A friend pointed out that you can evoke the anti-spam law on this sort of case. Once you tell someone to stop then you can technically fine them $1000 per offence going forward. Since the offence is on my phone I can file a case in my local county court for small claims and he would have to come defend himself or hire a local lawyer to come on his behalf. For an afternoon of my time and $75 I can file the case. No more messages this week so we will see.

 

It's harassment, possibly a vexatious complaint, or maybe intentional infliction of emotional distress.