Spam/Scam Text Reporting (7726)

Forwarding a suspicious or scam text message to 7726 (which spells SPAM on a phone keypad) submits it to the receiving mobile network operator for analysis. In the UK, the shortcode is operated under coordination by Ofcom and the major networks. In the US, carriers operate a similar scheme under industry guidelines. After forwarding, most carriers ask a follow-up automated question — typically the sender's number.

Mobile operators use reported messages to identify patterns, block malicious numbers at the network level, and share intelligence with law enforcement and the NCSC. While a single report rarely results in an immediate block, mass reporting of a smishing campaign accelerates the takedown of sending infrastructure. It costs nothing and takes under 30 seconds.

For vishing (voice call scams), the UK equivalent is reporting to Action Fraud or, for suspicious calls impersonating banks, using the 159 stop-scam number (connecting callers to their UK bank's fraud team). In the US, suspicious calls can be reported to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FCC.