How to report spam texts on iPhone

Updated October 23, 2026

Tap Report Spam (called Report Junk on some versions) under the message, forward the text to 7726 so your carrier can block the sender, and report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting doesn't block the sender, so block them too.

1. Report it in Messages

If the text is from someone who isn't in your contacts, a report link appears under the message.

On iOS 26 and later it's usually called Report Spam, then Delete and Report Spam.
On earlier versions it's Report Junk, then Delete and Report Junk.

For iMessages, the report goes to Apple. For regular texts (SMS, MMS, and RCS), whether you can report depends on your carrier; Apple says to contact your carrier if the option isn't there. You can't report a conversation after you've replied to it.

2. Forward it to 7726 (SPAM)

7726 spells SPAM on a phone keypad. The FTC and FCC both recommend forwarding scam texts there so your carrier can investigate and block the sender.

Press and hold the scam text.
Tap More, then the forward arrow at the bottom.
Enter 7726 as the recipient and send.

What to expect:

Verizon replies asking for the number the text came from. Reply with it.
T-Mobile sends a confirmation text. You can also paste the message into a new text to 7726.
AT&T says it's free. If you can't see the sender's number, you can email the whole message to abuse@att.net.

3. Report scams to the FTC

Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC uses reports to spot trends and build cases against scammers. If you lost money, also file with the FBI at ic3.gov.

Report it to the company being impersonated

Many companies collect scam texts that use their name:

Apple: email a screenshot to reportphishing@apple.com.
USPS: email a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov.
Amazon: if you're not an Amazon customer, email reportascam@amazon.com.

Then block and delete

Reporting doesn't stop the sender. Block the number, delete the text, and consider filtering texts from unknown senders so the next one never reaches your inbox.

Questions

Is forwarding to 7726 free?

Yes on the major US carriers. AT&T and T-Mobile say it's free, and T-Mobile says it doesn't count toward your plan.

Why don't I see Report Spam or Report Junk?

It only appears for senders who aren't in your contacts, and for regular texts (SMS, MMS, RCS) it depends on your carrier. It also disappears once you've replied. Forward the text to 7726 instead.

Does reporting stop the texts?

Not by itself. Reports help carriers and Apple spot scam campaigns, but to stop a particular number, block it too. Scammers switch numbers constantly, so filtering helps more than blocking one number at a time.

Sources

Facts checked October 23, 2026.