Text messaging has become indispensible to many people, especially the teenage set. Unfortunately it also means it has become a big target for spammers, and what makes SMS spam even worse than the kind filling up inboxes is that the receiver gets charged for each one they get, unless they are on an unlimited plan. Fortunately there are steps you can take to protect yourself from this kind of spam.

1. If your phone has Bluetooth, keep it off when you're not using it, and when you are using it, make sure your phone isn't set to broadcast itself to every other Bluetooth device in the area. There are spammers and pranksters out there who send unsolicited messages to any Bluetooth enabled phone they can find.

2. Watch what you sign up for. There are offers all over the place for free ringers, wallpapers, even games. Then there are the contests and polls that invite you to participate by texting a number. Be very careful and read all the fine print. Most of those "free" offers aren't free, and by accepting them, you'll find yourself not only inviting a ton of text spam, but a hefty monthly charge on your cell bill as well.

3. Put your mobile number on the Do Not Call List. This service protects cell phones as well as residential landlines.

4. Keep your number under wraps. When you sign up on a website, or register a product you've bought, don't give out your cell number. This will also protect you from annoying telemarketers.

5. Use your providers block feature. Most cell phone providers allow you to block certain numbers. If you get a text spam, don't hesitate. Call your provider up and ask that the number that spammed you be blocked. You'll also want to be sure to block international texting as well as most text spam comes from overseas.

Text spam is annoying and sometimes expensive, but by following these tips you should be able to block most of it from hitting your phone!