How to stop spam texts

Report to 7726, block, and never tap links — the smishing playbook.

Report by forwarding

Forward spam texts to 7726 (spells SPAM) — a free reporting channel all major US carriers run. It feeds the numbers and links into carrier blocking systems. Then report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, especially if the text impersonates a business or agency.

Never tap, never reply

Links in unexpected texts about packages, bank alerts, unpaid tolls or prizes are phishing. Replying — even 'STOP' to an obvious scam — confirms a live number. Genuine subscription texts honor STOP; fraud texts use it as a signal.

Filter

Both iOS and Android can filter messages from unknown senders into a separate list, and carriers offer spam-text filtering in the same apps that block calls.

If you already tapped

Entered credentials on a phishing page? Change that password immediately wherever it is reused and enable two-factor authentication. Entered card details? Call the issuer for a replacement card. Then file the details at ReportFraud.ftc.gov while they are fresh.

Sources

• FTC — How to recognize and report spam text messages
• FCC — Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts

FAQ

Are texts from short codes (5-6 digits) safe?

Short codes are leased through a registry and are harder to abuse than full numbers, but phishing via short-code lookalikes exists. Judge the content, not the format.