It’s never been more important to protect yourself from scam calls and texts.
Criminals often impersonate legitimate organisations in an attempt to dupe their victims and leave them out of pocket. So it’s important to be extra cautious if you receive a text message about a parcel you may be expecting, for example, or a call claiming to be from your bank.
Ofcom research found that eight in ten people experienced some form of phone scam last summer, but fewer than two in ten reported them to the relevant authorities.
But there’s an easy, free service you can use to report suspicious texts or calls you might receive on your mobile. It’s called 7726.
What is 7726?
7726 is a number that most mobile customers using UK networks can text to report unwanted SMS messages or phone calls on a mobile. The number ‘7726’ was chosen because it spells ‘SPAM’ on an alphanumeric phone keypad – that’s a handy way of remembering it.
Watch the videos below to learn how to forward scam or spam texts and calls to 7726 on iOS and Android phones. When you’ve done this, it alerts your mobile provider to investigate the number and potentially block it, if it’s found to be a nuisance.
How to forward a scam text to 7726 on iPhone
How to forward a scam text to 7726 on Android
How to report a scam mobile call to 7726 on iPhone
How to report a scam mobile call to 7726 on Android
How to forward a scam text to 7726 on iPhone
How to forward a scam text to 7726 on Android
How to report a scam mobile call to 7726 on iPhone
How to report a scam mobile call to 7726 on Android
If you think you've been scammed
If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to Action Fraud as soon as possible. You can do this by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting the Action Fraud website. Action Fraud is the reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Reports of fraud and any other financial crime in Scotland should be made to Police Scotland via 101.
More information
As well as scams, check out our guidance on how you can protect yourself from other types of unwanted calls and messages.
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FAQs
Reporting to 7726 allows them to identify new types of smishing and block. spam messages for all users. Forwarding methods will vary depending on your phone.
How do I report scam texts and calls? ›
Consumers can file complaints with the FCC by going to fcc.gov/complaints. You should choose the phone form and the unwanted calls issue for all complaints involving unwanted calls, including if your number is being spoofed, blocked, or labeled.
How do I forward a suspicious text to 7726? ›
How to Forward a Spam Text on an Android Phone
- Long-press the spam text.
- Select the “Forward” option.
- Your message will appear as a new text. Type 7726 in the contact box and click “Send.”
- You'll get a response from 7726 asking you for the phone number that sent the unwanted text.
Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages in the future. Report it on the messaging app you use.
Does 7726 still work? ›
You can do this by forwarding the message to 7726 or SPAM. Once you've forwarded the message, your cell phone carrier can investigate the text and number. Forwarding a text to 7726 works for most cellular providers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Is it better to block or report spam? ›
While filtering addresses some spam emails, you should outright block spam email addresses that are persistent, dangerous, or fake. And remember to report any internet scams you come across, such as Apple ID phishing scams and other threats.
Is it better to ignore or decline spam calls? ›
It's better to ignore spam calls. When you decline a call, it can alert the spammer that your phone number is active, prompting them to call you again. If you use a call-blocking tool that uses caller ID, you should never answer calls labelled as spam.
Can a scammer get your info if you reply to a text? ›
In some cases, yes. Replying to a smishing message can allow malware into your phone or land you some unwanted charges.
How do I remove my number from spam list? ›
How to remove your business number from SPAM designations
- Get a new number. If your business number is new and not yet established, it might be easier to get set up with a new phone number. ...
- Register your number. ...
- Contact the various phone carriers/spam blocking apps directly.
7726 is the shortcode for the GSMA's Spam Reporting Service. or "Send." The option may differ depending on what messaging app you are using. Sending the text message reports the spam message to GSMA's Spam Reporting Service program. Your phone carrier may respond and ask for the number associated with that text.
Report spam or junk messages
Open the Messages app on your iPhone. , then tap Delete and Report Junk. If you've already opened the message: A Report Junk link appears at the bottom of any message from any unknown sender. Tap Report Junk, then tap Delete and Report Junk.
Is 7726 free? ›
Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 - it's free. This will report the message to your mobile phone provider.
How do I report suspicious text messages? ›
If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726). Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Can anything bad happen if you respond to a spam text? ›
Nearly 85% of all Americans say they've received spam or “robotexts” in the past 12 months, with victims losing more than $28 billion to text scams. While just receiving a spam text is an annoyance, replying or engaging with one in any way can put you in serious danger of financial fraud, identity theft, or hacking.
Is 7726 legitimate? ›
7726 is the shortcode for the GSMA's Spam Reporting Service. or "Send." The option may differ depending on what messaging app you are using. Sending the text message reports the spam message to GSMA's Spam Reporting Service program. Your phone carrier may respond and ask for the number associated with that text.
What happens when you dial 7726? ›
Report a nuisance call or text
Forward the text to 7726 - this spells 'SPAM' on your phone keypad. This will report the sender to your mobile network company.
