How to Report a Spam Text

Reporting helps the ecosystem

Reports help carriers, platforms, and agencies identify abusive campaigns. They do not always stop the next message to your phone.

Filtering helps your inbox

If the same wording returns from new numbers, a private FingerWag rule can reduce future interruptions.

Use Report Junk when available

If your iPhone shows a Report Junk option under an unknown sender, use it to report the message.

The option does not appear for every message. When it is available, it is the lowest-friction way to tell Apple and supported carriers that the message was unwanted.

How to report spam text messages on iPhone

Use Report Junk or Report Spam when Messages shows the option.
Forward suspicious texts to 7726 so your carrier can review them.
Report fraud attempts at ReportFraud.ftc.gov when money, identity, payment, or account access is involved.
Block repeat senders when the same number keeps contacting you.
Filter repeated wording when the spam keeps coming from new numbers.

Which report should you use?

Different reporting paths do different jobs. Use the one that matches the message, and combine them when the text looks like a scam.

Report JunkUse this when iPhone shows the option under an unknown message.

7726Use this for suspicious or unwanted texts your carrier should review.

FTCUse ReportFraud.ftc.gov when the text involves fraud, money, identity theft, or account takeover.

FingerWagUse filtering when similar language keeps returning from new senders after you report or block.

Forward spam to 7726

Major US carriers support forwarding suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM). Your carrier may ask for the sender’s number after you forward the message.

Touch and hold the spam message.
Choose More or Forward, depending on your iOS version.
Send the copied message to 7726.
Send the sender number if your carrier asks for it.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see how to forward spam texts to 7726.

Report fraud attempts to the FTC

If the message tried to steal money, account access, identity details, or payment information, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is especially useful for fake bank alerts, delivery scams, toll scams, government impersonation, and payment app messages.

When to block the sender

Blocking is useful when the same number keeps sending unwanted messages. It is less useful when the sender changes numbers, which is common with larger spam campaigns.

When not to reply

Do not reply to obvious scam texts, unknown links, fake account alerts, or messages that ask for codes, passwords, payment, or identity details. Replying can confirm that your number is active or pull you into a longer scam conversation.

For legitimate marketing texts from a known business, an opt-out reply may be appropriate. For suspicious messages, reporting and filtering are safer than engaging.

Filter future messages

Reporting is useful, but it does not always stop the next message. FingerWag helps filter recurring spam patterns privately on your iPhone.

If the same language keeps coming back from new numbers, create a rule for the phrase, sender pattern, short code, or category. This works best for repeat themes like delivery holds, unpaid tolls, fundraising asks, surveys, account alerts, and suspicious links.

Suggested FingerWag rules after reporting

Reporting helps carriers and agencies. Filtering helps your own phone deal with the next similar message. Use phrases from the spam text itself.

unpaid toll
confirm your address
verify your account
payment failed
delivery failed
final notice

Filter repeat spam after you report it

Reports help carriers and agencies. FingerWag helps reduce future interruptions when the same spam wording returns from new numbers.

Report spam text questions

How do I report spam text messages on iPhone?

Use Report Junk when it appears, forward suspicious texts to 7726 for carrier review, and report fraud attempts at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report a spam text if Report Junk does not appear?

Forward the suspicious message to 7726, report fraud attempts to the FTC, block repeat senders, and use filtering for recurring wording from new numbers.

Should I reply STOP to report spam messages?

Only use STOP with legitimate senders you recognize. Do not reply to obvious scam texts, unknown links, or messages asking for money, codes, or personal information.

Does reporting spam text messages block the sender?

Reporting helps platforms, carriers, and agencies review abuse, but it does not always block the sender on your phone. Blocking and filtering are separate steps.