How to report spam texts
Reporting spam texts helps carriers, Apple, and consumer protection agencies identify abuse. It does not always stop the sender by itself, so reporting works best alongside safe link habits, sender blocking, and text message filtering.
Quick answer
- Do not click links or provide personal information.
- Use the Report Junk or Report Spam option when Messages shows it.
- Forward unwanted texts to 7726, which spells SPAM.
- Report fraud attempts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Block repeat senders and filter repeated message patterns.
Report spam in Messages
When Apple shows a Report Junk or Report Spam option for an unknown sender, use it before deleting the message. Depending on the message type and carrier support, this can share information with Apple, your carrier, or related spam-fighting systems.
Forward spam texts to 7726
The FTC recommends forwarding unwanted texts to 7726, which spells SPAM on a phone keypad. Your wireless provider may reply asking for the sending number. Send it if requested, then delete the original message.
Reporting to 7726 does not guarantee that one sender disappears from your phone immediately, but it helps your carrier identify similar abusive messages.
Report fraud to the FTC
If the text appears to be a scam, phishing attempt, impersonation, fake payment request, or fraudulent political donation message, you can report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Include what happened, the sender, and any link or claim if you can do so safely.
When reporting is not enough
Spam campaigns often rotate numbers. Reporting helps, but you may still need filtering rules for message patterns such as fake package delivery notices, unpaid toll claims, account alerts, political fundraising, or survey links.
- Use blocking for repeated messages from the same number.
- Use filtering for repeated wording from different numbers.
- Use STOP only for legitimate organizations you trust.
- Use direct websites or apps instead of links in suspicious texts.
Spam reporting questions
Where do I report spam texts?
You can report spam texts in Messages when the option appears, forward unwanted texts to 7726, and report fraud attempts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Does reporting spam block the sender?
Not always. Reporting helps carriers and platforms identify abuse, but you may still need to block the sender or use filtering rules.
Should I report political texts?
Report political texts when they look fraudulent, impersonate someone, ignore opt-outs, or include suspicious links. Legitimate campaign texts may be better handled with STOP and filtering.