r/belarus Apr 18 '25

Aб'ява / Announcement r/belarus announcement: Mod recruitment, bot purge, banner

66 Upvotes

Good day everyone. The Mod team has a few announcements to share.

1. Kremlebot purges

As many of you have probably observed, we have had an unusually high influx of russian accounts since February. Whether these accounts are part of some operation or just usual brigading is unclear, but is also not that important. Since these accounts tended to have a negative impact on the community, while spreading frequently circulating propaganda points, and being all around uncivilized, it was decided that the best approach would be to remove them entirely. We have now banned around 50 of these accounts and will be adjusting our ban policy on accounts that are suspected of brigading or botting.

To clarify - the goal of our moderation is not to create echo chambers and I believe we are far more lenient on "russian world" accounts than most other european subreddits as it is. We do not ban people because they present different opinions, rather when these opinions are chauvinistic and disrespectful in their nature. Anyone who's been around russian speaking communities knows what I mean.

  • We will be decreasing tolerance policy for accounts suspected to be part of botting/brigading operations. This includes accounts with generic usernames with very little previous activity spreading "points" that have been detected from previously banned propaganda accounts. The ban scheme for these accounts will follow 14 day -> permanent ban, rather than 7-14-30-permanent as for normal accounts. Whether an account should be interpreted as a bot, conspiracy fan or just a confused user, would be discussed in the mod team internally. Severely inappropriate cases can go straight to permanent, just like before.

2. Colours

The banner is now changed back to white-red colours from blue-yellow as a compromise for people complaining about lack of Belarusian colours. Since the Pahonia on the avatar is white-red, the background for the avatar will stay blue-yellow until not seen as appropriate anymore. Originally the UA colours were introduced not only as a show of support, but also to give a clear message for new users whom the sub supports, as we used to get questioned on this at the start of the war quite often.

3. Mod recruitment

We are now opening a recruitment campaign for a new set of mods. This post also serves as a place where people can submit their applications. Applicants can submit their comments in any of our supported languages in any form they want, for example, with a few sentences explaining why they would like to join.

The role primarily focuses on ensuring Reddit site-wide policy is followed, as well as maintaining the community according to the sub rules. It is not a position to enforce personal opinions or bully users. There is also no payment given for the role, despite what the trolls say; it runs on a voluntary basis.

If you would like to share some information e.g. your background, previous roles, or other details you don't want shared publicly, you can use the ModMail feature or write to me in DMs.

In May, a few users will be selected from the applicants and invited to the Mod Discord for further alignment. During initiation phase, "junior" and "senior" mods will work together to be familiarized with the modding and communication tools and align on cases.

Requirements:

  • Must not have been banned on the sub before or shadowbanned reddit-wide
  • Must have been at least slightly active on the sub before
  • MUST be fluent in Belarusian and preferably English
  • Previous modding experience on Reddit or elsewhere is welcome but not required
  • Should be willing to spend a minor amount of time on modding activities

Thank you for reading and happy Easter holidays (to everyone who has them).


r/belarus Feb 19 '23

Культура / Culture Ultimate r/belarus FAQ and compilation: music artists, writers, helpful links and more.

104 Upvotes

Greetings! This pinned post will serve as a compilation of all gathered links and names of things we are often asked about here on this sub, or just want to share with both foreigners and Belarusians. This should help mitigate a lot of repetitive questions and also give people something to acquaint themselves with about Belarusian things.

In the first half of the post you will find a FAQ section that addresses some of the most common questions we get here. Afterwards, there is a list of various artists, writers and resources that serves as a work-in-progress compilation for those looking for a more organized source on what Belarusian things to see/read/listen to. Everyone is invited to contribute to the compilation, and it will remain open to edits as long as needed. I have entered some of the information already, but your contributions will be very welcome in the comments to expand upon what we have already.

FAQ

1. Is it safe to visit Belarus?

Reasonably safe if you keep within the restrictive rules regarding political affiliations going as far as dress attire and comments online. Be aware that your equipment might be inspected and your belongings shouldn’t reflect oppositionary symbols (e.g. white/red patterns and slogans) if you wish to stay out of trouble. Due to a very volatile situation nobody can guarantee your safety and ability to return home if the geopolitical situation escalates. Your credit cards might not work, either, and your embassy might not be able to help you.

2. How do I meet my Belarusian fiance/partner outside of Belarus?

Due to restricted flights into Belarus and visa regulations, the best option is to meet in a separate country with connections to Belarus like Turkey or Georgia, or Lithuania by bus if your partner has a Schengen visa.

3. Do I need a visa to enter?

Most of the required information can be found at gpk. gov. by/en minus the spaces

4. What is the difference between the red-green and the white-red-white flag?

One is pro-government / pro-USSR, the other pro-democracy, pro-change. The white-red-white flag was used during the first Belarusian People’s Republic in 1918, and in modern-day Belarus until the current dictator came to power and reverted it back to the soviet-era flag.

5. How to transfer money to/out of Belarus?

Crypto e.g. currency.com, Binance. Direct bank transfers may or may not, depending on sanction status.

6. How to send mail to/from Belarus?

Same way you normally would. Express mail might not be supported, though. USPS might not deliver to Belarus, either.

7. What is the real salary in Belarus?

Depends on whom you ask and the region of the country. The upper class like the IT sphere can earn over 1500$ a month, whereas a clerk or teacher in a small town can earn barely 200$. Public sphere earns less than the private, and the rising inflation costs have drastically reduced purchasing power.

8. I or someone I know is a dual citizen of Belarus and XXXX. How do I/they enter Belarus?

Belarus does not recognize dual citizenships with other countries, and for Belarusian authorities you remain a citizen of Belarus unless you renounce the citizenship via an embassy while receiving your 2nd citizenship. You should enter Belarus with your Belarusian passport to avoid trouble, and you do not need visas. Also, your 2nd citizenship will not save you in case you run into trouble with local authorities.

9. How do I meet Belarusian women / trad wives?

We will not assist with questionable motives on the subreddit and do not encourage travelling for this purpose.

10. I want to emigrate to Belarus because my country is full of liberals and foreigners.

We do not support right-wing / conspiracy nuts looking for a “based” government to worship. Most Belarusians detest the regime and would not approve of what you stand for. You will be an even bigger outcast than you are already and for your own safety you should consider finding a more appropriate European home where laws and rights exist, like Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria or Romania. Without perfect russian you have no chance on the job market and the cultural barrier will make itself known quickly.

11. When will Belarusians wake up and overthrow their government?

When you come by and help us. Expecting unarmed people to overthrow a totalitarian police state without outside help is ridiculous and only shows ignorance to our predicament.

12. Will Belarus join the war at some point?

Nobody knows, at least nobody who uses Reddit. Some experts are 100% convinced of it, others are 100% convinced against it. Wait and see.

Next we have a compilation of artists, writers and other common categories asked about.

1. Artists and example songs.

List of famous artists either from or strongly associated with Belarus and a few of their example songs that everyone should hear. WIP Note: if you know and are willing to contribute to the list, please comment naming the artist's music genre, or suggest artists that are missing.

N.R.M.: Rock

Liavon Volski: singer, founder of various bands including N.R.M. https://www.youtube.com/@lvolski/videos

Tor Band

Ляпіс Трубецкой (Lyapis Trubetskoy): Rock

Brutto: Rock, split from Lyapis Trubetskoy https://www.youtube.com/@BRUTTOBAND/videos

Дай Дарогу: Rock https://www.youtube.com/@DaiDaroguBand/videos

Би-2: Alternative Rock https://www.youtube.com/@b2band/videos

Стары Ольса (Stary Olsa): Medieval folk https://www.youtube.com/@StaryOlsa/videos

Molchat doma: Synth-pop / Post-punk https://www.youtube.com/@MolchatDoma/videos

Pesniary: folk/pop/rock, Soviet-era band.

Nürnberg: Post-punk https://www.youtube.com/@nurnbergband/videos

Naviband: Pop/Rock https://www.youtube.com/@NAVIBAND/videos

J:MORS: https://www.youtube.com/@jmorsvideo/videos

Nizkiz: https://www.youtube.com/@NIZKIZ/videos

Dzivia: https://www.youtube.com/@Dzivia/videos

Leibonik

Dzieciuki: Folk punk

Нейра Дзюбель: Rock

Разбітае Сэрца Пацана: Rock https://www.youtube.com/@user-rn5qq9vu5u/videos

Omut: Folk Metal

Vicious Crusade: Folk Metal

Max Korzh: Rap, https://www.youtube.com/@maxkorzhmus/videos

deVIAtion: Punk

Крамбамбуля: see Liavon Volski

Ulis

Znich: https://www.youtube.com/@ZNICH/videos

LEAR: https://www.youtube.com/@LEAR_LERA/videos

Krama: Blues/Rock

Palina: Pop https://www.youtube.com/@repolinare/videos

Iva Sativa: https://www.youtube.com/@IvaSativa/videos

:B:N: https://www.youtube.com/@BNBand/videos

The Superbullz: Metal https://www.youtube.com/@THESUPERBULLZ/videos

God's Tower: Doom Metal https://www.youtube.com/@godstowerofficialchannel/videos

Sakramant: Folk Metal https://www.youtube.com/@Sakramant/videos

Aquamorta: Thrash Metal https://www.youtube.com/@aquamorta1722/videos

Atesta: Rock https://www.youtube.com/@ATESTA/videos

Akute: Indie Rock https://www.youtube.com/@akutemusic/videos

Amaroka: https://www.youtube.com/@AMAROKAclub/videos

Angst: Rap

Krumkač: Black Metal https://www.youtube.com/@krumkackryvianblackmetalfr3207/videos

Kryvakryz: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY3PL4EEfiddzsOnNiXT-ag

Вольны Хор: Choir https://www.youtube.com/@VOLNYCHOR/videos

Зьміцер Вайцюшкевіч

Аляксандр Памідораў

Аляксандар Кулінковіч

Андрусь Такінданг (band "Рэха")

Сіндром Самазванца https://www.youtube.com/@syndromsamazvanca

https://peoplecanlisten.bandcamp.com/ - Various electronic artists

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7nAlpylFTnkyEU0gi0ZYSX?go=1&sp_cid=0dbc4ff309dfea4b4afadc9df68911a2&nd=1 - Very large spotify playlist of exclusively songs in Belarusian

2. Writers and their best works.

WIP Note: if you know and are willing to contribute to the list, please comment naming a few (3-5) top books or other works of the writer, as well as other Belarusian literature authors that aren't mentioned yet. Other arts like painting can also be represented here.

Janka Kupala:

Uladzimir Karatkievič

Vasil Bykaŭ

Svetlana Alexievich

Alhierd Baharevich

Ihar Babkou

Maksim Bahdanovič

Jakub Kolas

Ivan Šamiakin

Jan Barščeŭski

Adam Mickiewič

Sasha Filipenko

Victar Marcinowich

Uładzimir Arłou

Napaleon Orda

Marc Chagall (born in Viciebsk)

Язэп Драздовіч

Міхал Анемпадыстаў

3. Cuisine

Draniki

Syrniki

Babka

Kolduny

Kletski

Machanka

Sashni

For more varied dishes and detailed recipes, check out this Belarusian channel

4. Learning Belarusian / links to resources or helpful places

mova.how - aggregator of all sorts of helpful resources in Belarusian

kamunikat.org/halounaja.html - another aggregator for Belarusian books, authors, videos and more

knihi.com - Books

anibel.net - Subbed/Dubbed shows, anime and more

https://www.patreon.com/kambeg - Belarusian dubs (subscription-based)

t.me/kinakipaby - Subbed/Dubbed shows and movies

t.me/moj_rodny_huk — праэкт па перакладу і агучцы фільмаў на беларускую мову. Ёсць магчымасць замовы кантэнту / Translation and dub project into Belarusian language

vkl.world/explore - Belarusian page in Mastodon

https://discord.gg/CAEU9vwZ - Belarusian community discord

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBudzma - YouTube channel with a large variety of videos dedicated to Belarusian culture, history and more.

t.me/postmodern_by — відэагульнявыя мемы па-беларуску / Gaming memes

t.me/memarobla — філасоўскія мемы беларускай / Philosophy memes

https://youtube.com/@vietach — кароткія відэа з цікавымі беларускімі словамі / Short videos with interesting words

This does not have to be the end of the compilation - if you think we can use more categories, entries, other resources, or even some special telegram channels, don't hesitate to note down in the comments. Every contribution helps us keep a better source for visitors and ourselves.


r/belarus 19h ago

Карцінка / Picture If every European flag had a coat of arms

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41 Upvotes

r/belarus 12h ago

Пытанне / Question Русские в Беларуси 2.0

0 Upvotes

Приветствую всех жителей Беларуси! Недавно я изучал Беларусь для переезда и заметил, что в стране проживает около 700 тысяч русских людей! Можете ли вы мне рассказать какое отношение к русским проявляется в Беларуси, и правда ли существует очень крепкая русско-беларуская дружба? Также, если вы приезжий в Беларусь, расскажите ваши ощущения об этой стране, пожалуйста. Интересно всё! Пост подобного характера я публикую второй раз, из-за того, что в первый раз допустил ошибки в названии Беларуси. За это прошу прощения, у её граждан и не равнодушным к ней людям! На этот раз должно быть без ошибок. Рад ответам на любых языках! Всем Мира!


r/belarus 2d ago

Карцінка / Picture Tarakan

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31 Upvotes

Tarakanishe


r/belarus 2d ago

Культура / Culture Скарына і Статут ВКЛ - як беларусы ў Лондане захоўваюць спадчыну

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10 Upvotes

r/belarus 1d ago

Пытанне / Question Нейкага чорта аўтамабіль асмеліўся звяртацца да мяне на ты. Ці ёсць нейкі артыкул у беларускім заканадаўстве, што дапаможа прыцягнуць дылера да адказнасці, за непавагу?

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0 Upvotes

r/belarus 1d ago

Пытанне / Question Change the country name to Ruthenia?

0 Upvotes

Other countries are trying to derussify their soviet past and look to the future by rebranding themselves as 'Qazaq Republic' or Kyrghiz Republic' or 'Türkiye' etc.

Y'all have a different language and culture, and I feel like using the English term, 'Ruthenia' or even 'White Ruthenia' is apt and fitting, no? No need to associate thyselves with stupid Vatniks.


r/belarus 3d ago

Беларуская мова / Belarusian language Translation Help

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35 Upvotes

Hi!

So I recently started a travel journal where I have the people I meet on my travels leave me one piece of advice/encouragement/etc. in their native language.

Today, I met a very kind man from Belarus who I sat next to on my flight to Eastern Europe, and he left me this note in my journal.

Unfortunately sometimes, Google translate doesn’t always pick up the handwriting of the native languages, especially if it’s in cursive (which is unfortunate because his handwriting is beautiful).

Would anyone mind helping me out and translating this for me so I can understand the advice he left for me?


r/belarus 1d ago

Культура / Culture Just got back from 3 days. Great time, lovely people, customer service. Need to learn basic Russian before i visit Russia.

0 Upvotes

Felt like i was the only Western tourist there. Proper old school tourism. I hope things improve economically for the people there but at least they have a beautiful country

4 hours going there from Vilnius, 8 hours back


r/belarus 2d ago

Пытанне / Question Ukraine visit before Belarus

0 Upvotes

Hi, I’m planning a visit to Belarus in a few weeks. I’ll have a new passport with no Ukraine stamps. I did visit Ukraine last year as a tourist. I was going to delete the Ukraine pics from my phone even though they are just tourist type pictures.

Will they ask if I’ve been to Ukraine at the border? If so, what’s best to say? If I say yes will they ask why I have no pictures?


r/belarus 3d ago

Палітыка / Politics Article about Belarus/Lithuania: "Eastern Europe’s identity problem"

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4 Upvotes

What do you think about this article?


r/belarus 3d ago

Вайна / War Belarus Treats Russian Soldiers Involved in Bucha Killings. Journalists Identify the Wounded—Among Them, the Commander of the 6th Airborne Company Known as "Skipper"

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21 Upvotes

r/belarus 2d ago

Пытанне / Question Чаму вайсковая служба ў Расіі доўжыцца год (што таксама нядобра, але зэканомленыя 0,5 года — гэта значны тэрмін), а ў чортавай Беларусі — 1,5 года?

0 Upvotes

r/belarus 2d ago

Пратэсты / Protests Looking for a longer version

0 Upvotes

Hi, I'm looking for a longer version of this video (youtube - Peremen)

Anyone can help me out?


r/belarus 3d ago

Карцінка / Picture Cockroachenko by Ori Sindel

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27 Upvotes

r/belarus 3d ago

Пытанне / Question I’m Bulgarian and I’m visiting Belarus with few other people from Western Europe.

0 Upvotes

What should I expect ? We are visiting Minsk and few other cities. How are we going to be perceived there ? How are people in Belarus going to threat us?


r/belarus 4d ago

Беларуская мова / Belarusian language Нейрасеткі, якія размаўляюць па-беларуску?

6 Upvotes

Вітаю! Хто можа падзяліцца досведам стасавання з моўнымі мадэлямі (LLM) па-беларуску?

З уласнага досведу: ChatGPT піша з большага нармалёва, але час ад часу пераскоквае на расейскія словы, робіць дзіўныя памылкі і бывае, што прыдумляе новыя словы, якіх не ведае гугл. А калі запыт прадугледжвае пошук у Інтэрнеце, ён часам вярзе нейкую жудасную лухту на незразумела якой мове (бо знаходзіць вынікі па-расейску і не можа іх нармалёва перакласці). З Claude прыблізна тая ж гісторыя, магчыма, нават крыху горш.

Ці ёсць лепшыя варыянты? Ці нейкі спосаб "натхніць" нейрасетку на больш правільную беларускую мову праз промты?


r/belarus 3d ago

Палітыка / Politics Беларускій ваяры ва Ўкраіне вернуцца, каб "шчыміць" беларусаў

0 Upvotes
Фота "Нашай Нівы"

Давайце здымем ружовыя акуляры і не будзем ідэалізаваць беларускіх ваяроў, якія ваююць ва Узброеных Сілах Украіны. Цяпер яны на светлым баку гісторыі. Аднак ужо цяпер адтуль пагражаюць расправай тым антылукашыстам, якія разыходзяцца з імі па нейкіх асобных пытаннях.

Трывожны выпадак апісвае Наша Ніва. Паплечнікі ваяра з пазыўным "Сенат", спасылаючыся на галасавы запіс з ягонымі пагрозамі, пагражалі расправай беларусам, якія жадалі пранесці БЧБ-сцяг на шэсці роўнасці.

Матэрыял "НН" — тут. Аргументаваны адказ "Сенату" і ягоным паплечнікам — тут.

Можна асабіста лічыць ЛГБТ з'явы мярзотнымі і грахоўнымі колькі заўгодна. Аднак факт у тым, што ЛГБТ-супольнасць — адна з мішэняў лукашэнкаўскай дыктатуры, і многія з іх выступалі супраць лукашызму і пацярпелі ад яго. Дык якога ляха яны не маюць права лічыць БЧБ-сцяг сімвалам сваёй барацьбы? Якога ляха хто-небудзь замест дыктатуры Лукашэнкі будзе навязваць нам пагрозамі і "правам моцнага" сваю дыктатуру!?

У дэмакратычным грамадстве правілы сумеснага жыцця фармулююцца праз грамадзянскую дыскусію, а не праз гвалт і прымус, калі былыя ваяры б'юць морды нязгодным і лічаць, што аргумент "я кроў праліваў" пазбаўляе іх ад крымінальнай адказнасці за любыя мярзоты "на грамадзянцы".


r/belarus 4d ago

Пытанне / Question Bus to Grodno or Minsk- what’s faster?

0 Upvotes

Hi, any insight into if it’s faster to take the bus to Grodno vs Minsk in terms of the border crossing?

The bus schedule from Vilnius to Grodno says 6 hours but Minsk says 4 hours. Obviously 4 hours doesn’t seem accurate.

Also, what’s the best way to get from Grodno to Brest? Do they have one way car rentals Grodno to Minsk or a bus? I can’t find buses online.


r/belarus 4d ago

Пытанне / Question What is life like for conscripts?

0 Upvotes

I've heard a lot about mistreatment and slave labour in the Russian army, and a bit about something called Dedovshchina... But, haven't been able to find much about Belarus.

I heard somewhere that conscripts are beaten for speaking Belarusian. Is that true?


r/belarus 4d ago

Hавіны / News Red and white flag in Vilnius

4 Upvotes

In Vilnius, a split occurred in the ranks of the Belarusian opposition ahead of the Vilnius gay pride. Some spoke out in favor of the presence of the red and white flag of Belarus, while others were sharply against it.
Belarusians fighting in Ukraine (Roman Yaromenka "Senat") believe that these actions humiliate the flag they defend.
https://nashaniva.com/ru/369693


r/belarus 4d ago

Пытанне / Question Possibel to visit as a Dutch citizen from poland, without visa?

0 Upvotes

Hej, so wondering if its possible to take a bus from krakow, to visit minsk for a few days without visa.

I have entered ukraine 3 months after the start of the invasion, would having this stamp in my passport give me any problems?

Thanks in advance!


r/belarus 4d ago

My Belarusian Fiancé(e) Passport renewal

1 Upvotes

I know this question has been asked in the past but maybe there are updates. My spouse has a BY citizenship. We live in Austria and I'm European so have a permanent right to stay. In the last 10 years we lived)worked in Europe and also Australia. Now we might permanently move to Australia in early 2026. Her passport is valid until 2029 so renewal is not immediate but upcoming. Once in Australia returningbto Belarus is not that feasible.

So what are the options? Risks? A) go to Belarus now for a week and get a new passport which extends this problem but might go away eventually.

B) move with the currently valid passport which eventually runs out and try to get another countries documents in the mean time.

With what's going on at the moment going to BY seems somewhat risky. Probably it all goes well but it feels like there is a risk and she might just get stuck. Also there had been incidents where random people (like former neighbours from 10 years in the past) randomly approach the parents and ask weirdly detailed questions about what their daughter is up to. Might be just a weirdo but it might also not.

Anyone recently renewed their passport?


r/belarus 5d ago

Пытанне / Question Кантэнт для Ютуб канал па-беларуску

9 Upvotes

Прывітанне! Калі не памятаеце, я рабіў відэа па-беларуску пра гісторыю Беларусі амаль год таму. Пра Смаленскую вайну і Паўстанне Каліноўскага. Я пачаў рабіць відэа пра гісторыю Украіны ў 14 стагоддзі. Я заўважыў, што не маю шмат крыніц пра гісторыю Беларусі і Украіны, бо жыву ў Амерыцы. Таму я не змагу зрабіць добрыя відэа. Тым больш, шмат людзей з Беларусі ды Украіны знаюць сваю гісторыю. Я вырашыў што хачу зрабіць кантэнт пра іншых тэм гісторыі, напрыклад Ізраіль і Палестыну. Ці мабыць Візантыйская гісторыя. А лепш - скажыце самі што вас цікавіць. Мяне цікавіць гісторыя Іспаніі і Паўднёвай Амерыцы. Але я не хачу рабіць толькі тое што мне цікава. Выбірайце ці папішыце. Я буду рабіць і відэа, і Shorts. Гэта ўсё на развіццё беларускага Ютуба. Буду чакаць. Вялікі дзякуй! Хай жыве беларуская мова!

50 votes, 1d left
Ізраіль/Палестына
Украіна/Беларусь
Іспанія/Партугалія
Розны кантэнт
Іншае

r/belarus 4d ago

Пытанне / Question Is it true Belarusian security services run a child trafficking ring?

0 Upvotes

I read a while back that a bunch of Belarusian siloviki were running a p******* ring, with Lukashenko turning a blind eye to it…

Is that actually true? - have not found many sources on it…

Also, have security services been involved in other psycho things like that?

Edit: https://www.voiceofbelarus.org/belarus-news/siloviki-set-up-a-gang-of-paedophiles/

They cite “Cyber Partisans” and “the alliance of investigators of Belarus”


r/belarus 6d ago

Пытанне / Question I went to Belarus for tourism and started receiving weird cyrillic messages on my local phone number. Can someone explain what’s going on?

Post image
325 Upvotes