How to Report Scam Texts in Your Country
Reporting scam texts helps networks block numbers and warn others. How to report scam texts in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, India and elsewhere, and using your phone's report options.
Reporting a scam text takes a few seconds and helps protect other people. Networks use reports to block numbers and sender names, and authorities use them to spot new scams. Here is how to report, wherever you are.
First: use your phone's report option
- iPhone: for messages from unknown senders, tap "Report Junk" under the message.
- Android (Google Messages): press and hold the conversation and choose block and report spam.
- Other apps: look for "Report spam" or "Block" in the conversation menu.
Country options
| Where | How to report scam texts |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Forward the text to 7726 (free). You can also report to Report Fraud if you lost money. |
| United States | Forward to 7726 (SPAM), a service used by US carriers, and report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. |
| Canada | Forward to 7726 with participating carriers, and report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. |
| Australia | Report to Scamwatch; forward scam texts to your provider if it offers a service. |
| India | Report fraud to the cybercrime portal or helpline 1930; use the government's reporting tools for suspicious messages where available. |
| Elsewhere | Check your mobile network's website for a scam text reporting number, and report to your national fraud or cybercrime service. |
Services change; check your network's official website for the current method.
If you already clicked or paid
Report, but also act: call your bank, change passwords, and keep evidence. See first-hour checklist and how to report a scam.
Report, then delete. Do not reply to the scammer, even to say "stop".
Not sure if a text is a scam? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check before reporting.
For more, see phishing by email, SMS and phone in our complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is 7726?
In the UK, 7726 (which spells SPAM on a keypad) is a free number for forwarding scam texts to your mobile network.
Does reporting really help?
Yes. Reports help networks block numbers and sender names, and help authorities spot new scams and warn the public.
Should I delete the text after reporting?
Yes, unless you have lost money or shared details, in which case keep a screenshot as evidence.
Sources
- How To Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages, US Federal Trade Commission
- Phishing: spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls, UK National Cyber Security Centre
- Report a scam, Scamwatch, Australian Government
- National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, Government of India
