New York ? Much like everything else, spamming has gone mobile. Even if you don’t pay for text messaging, you can still receive unwanted solicitations. So how do you prevent your phone from being spammed? From the August 2008 Consumer Reports magazine, here are three tips:

¢ Take immediate action. Once you receive a spam message, call up your carrier to complain. It may be able to offer a quick fix. You can also check your cell phone account online. It may be that your e-mail or messaging settings are not at the highest level of protection.

¢ Join the National Do Not Call Registry. You can register your cell phone at www.donotcall.gov. This is a free registry that allows you to get off telemarketer’s list of numbers to contact. It should take about a month on the registry before you stop receiving spam altogether.

¢ Beware of downloads. Just as with your computer, some downloads can prove hazardous to your phone’s health. Certain ringtones and games from third parties can open you up to increased spam and even identity theft.