How to Block and Report Spam Text Messages
Spam texts are annoying and often dangerous. Learn how to block them on iPhone and Android, and how to report them to the FTC to help stop the scammers.
At a Glance
Recognize a spam text
~30sWarning
Never tap a link in a suspicious text message. Even visiting the linked page can sometimes trigger a download or expose your information.
Block a spam number on iPhone
~36sQuick Tip
Quick Tip: You can also filter unknown senders entirely. Go to SettingsMessages and turn on "Filter Unknown Senders." Texts from people not in your contacts go to a separate folder, keeping your main inbox cleaner.
Block a spam number on Android
~34sQuick Tip
Quick Tip: On Android you can also enable spam protection in the Messages app settings. Open Messages, tap the three-dot menu, tap Settings, then "Spam protection," and turn it on. Google will automatically flag likely spam messages.
Forward the spam text to 7726 to report it to your carrier
~32sQuick Tip
Quick Tip: On iPhone, to forward a text, press and hold the message bubble, tap "More," then tap the arrow icon to forward it. Type 7726 as the recipient and send.
Report the scam to the FTC
~26sYou Did It!
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Spam text messages — also called "smishing" (a combination of SMS and phishing) — are fake texts designed to trick you into clicking a link, giving away personal information, or calling a fake number. They are one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud in the United States.
Common types of spam texts
- **Fake delivery notifications:** "Your package could not be delivered. Click here to reschedule." These impersonate UPS, FedEx, or the US Postal Service.
- **IRS or Social Security alerts:** "Your Social Security number has been suspended. Call right away." The government does not contact you by text for these matters.
- **Prize scams:** "Congratulations! You won a $500 gift card. Claim now." There is no prize.
- **Bank fraud alerts:** "Unusual activity on your account. Verify now." These impersonate your bank to steal login information.
Do not reply "STOP"
When you get a spam text from a number you do not recognize, your instinct might be to reply "STOP" to opt out. With legitimate companies you signed up with, "STOP" works. But with random spam texts from unknown numbers, replying "STOP" — or any reply at all — actually confirms to the sender that your number is active and belongs to a real person. This can lead to even more spam. Instead, block the number without replying.
What about legitimate texts?
This guide is about blocking unknown senders sending spam. If you get a text from your real bank, pharmacy, or doctor's office asking you to confirm an appointment, those are generally safe. When in doubt, do not tap any link in the text — instead, call the organization directly using a phone number from their official website.
Sources:
FTC.gov/scams, CISA.gov, How-To Geek
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