What is the best way to report a scam text message?
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) — this is the universal short code for all major carriers. Also report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Scam text messages (smishing) are a rapidly growing category of fraud. Common examples include fake delivery notifications, fake bank alerts, fake prize winners, and government agency impersonations. Reporting them helps carriers block the sending numbers and domains, reducing how many people see the same scam.
Forwarding a text to 7726 (which spells SPAM on a phone keypad) is the standard method recognized by the FCC and all major U.S. carriers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and others. After forwarding, your carrier will ask you to send the phone number the message came from. This data feeds directly into carrier spam filtering systems.
You can also report the text to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Select 'unwanted calls, emails, and texts' as the category. The FTC's database is shared with law enforcement and can trigger investigations when the same scam number appears in many reports. If the text contained a link that impersonated a specific brand (bank, delivery company, government agency), also report to that organization's phishing email or abuse team.
If you clicked a link in the scam text and entered any personal information, treat it as a potential phishing compromise. Change passwords for any accounts you may have logged into, monitor your bank accounts, and place a fraud alert if sensitive identity information was entered.
Common red flags
- Text claims a package could not be delivered and asks you to click a link
- Text claims your bank account is suspended and asks you to verify immediately
- Prize winner notification sent to your phone number without you entering a contest
- Text from a strange number using your name and claiming to be a government agency
- Shortened link (bit.ly, tinyurl) in a message from an unknown sender
What to do now
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) — works on all major U.S. carriers
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Do not click any links in the message
- Block the sending number on your phone
- If you clicked a link and entered info, change passwords and monitor accounts
- Report to the FCC at fcc.gov/consumers/guides/filing-informal-complaint if needed
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to reply to a scam text to say 'STOP'?
No — replying to a scam text, even with 'STOP,' confirms to the scammer that your number is active. This often results in more scam messages, not fewer. Block the number instead.
I clicked a link in a scam text — do I need to do anything?
If you clicked but did not enter any information, you may be fine — run a security scan on your device just in case. If you entered personal details, passwords, or payment information, act immediately: change passwords and alert your bank.