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 Spam or Report Junk when available
On iOS 26, open the unwanted conversation, tap Report Spam below the message, then confirm Delete and Report Spam. Older versions may call it Report Junk. Preserve anything needed for a separate fraud report before deleting.
Apple says you cannot report a message after replying to it. Availability for SMS, MMS, and RCS depends on your carrier and region. Reporting on iPhone does not block the sender. See Apple’s reporting instructions.
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.
How to report spam texts on Android
- Open Google Messages.
- Touch and hold the conversation you want to report.
- Tap Block, then Report spam, and confirm with OK.
These are the steps in Google’s Android reporting guide. Other Android messaging apps may use different controls. You can also forward the message to 7726 if your carrier supports it. Save anything you need for a separate fraud report before deleting the conversation.
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.
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.
- Tap More, select the message, then tap the forward arrow.
- 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.
iPhone · iOS 17.4 or later · Free download with in-app purchases. See setup steps.
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.
Sources
- FTC: how to recognize and report spam text messages
- Apple Support: screen, filter, report, and block texts