How to Report a Spam Text

Last Updated: September 28, 2019 References Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to report spam text messages by forwarding them to shortcode 7726 (which spells out "SPAM" on most keypads). Spam text messages are not only a nuisance, they are illegal and can even contain links that can be dangerous. Many spam messages are an attempt to obtain your personal information or spread malware that can infect your phone. Never reply to spam messages or tap on any of the links in the message and always report spam text messages immediately.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
On Android

1
Open your Messages app. Open the messaging app you use to send text messages with.
2
Open the conversation that contains the spam message. This may differ depending on what text messaging app you use, but most messaging apps will open to a list of the most recent text conversations.
3
Long-press on the spam message. Tap and hold on the spam message and additional options will appear.
- Be sure not to reply or tap any of the links in the message when doing this.
4
Tap
or "Forward." This will copy the text and sender information into a new text message.^{[1]
X
Research source}
5
Type 7726 as the recipient. In the "To" field, type 7726 as the recipient. 7726 is the shortcode for the GSMA's Spam Reporting Service.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, or Bell customer, you can report spam text messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) free of charge.^{[3]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Federal Trade Commission
  Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson
  Go to source}
6
Tap
or "Send." The option may differ depending on what messaging app you are using. Sending the text message reports the spam message to GSMA's Spam Reporting Service program.
7
Report any unauthorized charges. If you receive any unwanted text messages, review your phone bill for any unauthorized charges and report them to your service provider immediately.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
On iPhone

1
Open Messages
. It's the app with the icon of a white speech bubble on a green background, usually located on the bottom of your iPhone's home screen.
2
Open the conversation that contains the spam message. It will be in your list of conversations.
3
Long-press on the spam message. Tap and hold on the body of the message and you will see a small pop-up menu appear at the bottom of the screen.
- Be sure not to reply or tap any of the links in the message when doing this.
4
Tap More. It's the last option at the very bottom of the screen. You will see a blue checkmark icon appear to the left of the message.
- You can select more than one message, if necessary.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
5
Tap
. Tap the Forward icon that resembles a right-facing curved arrow located in the lower-right corner of the screen. This will copy the text into a new message.^{[5]
X
Research source}
6
Enter 7726 as the recipient. In the "To" text field, type 7726 which is the shortcode for the GSMA's Spam Reporting Service.
- If you are an AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, or Bell customer, you can report spam text messages by forwarding them to 7726 free of charge.
7
Tap the Send icon. It's the blue upward-facing arrow button on the right side of the message box. This will forward the text message to the Spam Reporting Service.
8
Report any unauthorized charges. If you receive any unwanted text messages, review your phone bill for any unauthorized charges and report them to your service provider immediately.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I know if a message is spam? I get annoying messages from companies every week, but they don't have links. Is that spam?

Community Answer

A message is spam if it comes from a telemarketer you did not contact, you get messages commonly, it has a link that you do not trust/is a known virus, or appears to be phishing or scamming. Yes, those messages are spam.

Warnings

Don't tap any links in a spam message. These links may install malware on your smartphone or direct you to a phishing site. A phishing site is a website designed to look like a legitimate website, but it's real purpose is to steal your personal information.

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Don't reply to spam text messages. Spam text messages are often trying to obtain your personal information. You should never reveal your personal information to anyone. This includes information such as, your account number, passwords, bank account information, utility or service account information, social security number, and email.

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