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What does a phishing text message look like?
While many types of scam text messages exist, common messages often include:
- Package delivery notifications
- Special promotions or offers on low-interest credit cards
- Texts asking you to verify your identity or information
- Notifications that alert you to “suspicious activity” on accounts like Amazon, Netflix, and Apple
- Messages saying you’ve won a contest you’ve never heard of
- Ads for sales or promotions at stores or restaurants
The common thread between these phishing text messages is that they all encourage you to verify personal information or click on a link.
How to report phishing text messages
One simple method of dealing with scammers is to report them and forward the scam message to 7726. The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) selected 7726 as the dedicated number for reporting scam messages. This number works in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Major carriers are typically part of the GSMA, meaning you can either forward or copy/paste the scam message and send it to 7726.
Report a phishing text to 7726 on iPhone
Report scam text messages on iPhones to 7726 by following these steps:
- 1.Press and hold the text message you’d like to report.
- 2.Click “More.”
- 3.Select the arrow in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- 4.Forward the message to 7726.
Report a phishing text to 7726 on Android
Report scam texts on Androids to 7726 by following these steps:
- 1.Press and hold the message you want to report.
- 2.Select the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner.
- 3.Click “Forward.”
- 4.Forward the phishing text to 7726.
Report a phishing text to the FTC
Use the Federal Trade Commission's report fraud tool to alert them to scammers. Fill out the form, and the federal agency should send you a list of best practices. It’ll also use the data you sent to share information with law enforcement and partners.
Report a phishing text on your phone
Modern cell phones, like iPhones and Android devices, allow you to report spam texts and scams through features on a phone’s messaging app.
On iPhone
Follow these steps to report a text on an iPhone:
- 1.Open the message you want to report.
- 2.Below the text message, you may see a message stating, “This sender is not in your contact list,” followed by “Report junk.”
- 3.Select “Report junk” and click “Delete and report junk.”
You can also block a contact if the “Report junk” icon is not below a text message.
To block a contact:
- 1.Open the message.
- 2.Click the phone number at the top.
- 3.Tap the “Info” icon.
- 4.Choose “Block this caller.”
- 5.Tap “Block contact.”
On Android
Block and report text messages on Android devices by following these steps:
- 1.Open the message you want to report.
- 2.Select the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner.
- 3.Click “Block & report.”
Add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry
Visit the National Do Not Call Registry from the Federal Trade Commission to register your phone number and block spam texts and calls. After registering your phone, it should be on the list within a month. Follow these steps to add your number:
- 1.Visit the National Do Not Call Registry website.
- 2.Select “Register your phone.”
- 3.If you have already added your phone number, click “Verify here.” Select “Register here” to upload your number to the Do Not Call Registry.
- 4.Use the form to fill in the required information. Add and confirm your phone number and email address.
- 5.Finish by clicking “Register.”
What to do if you respond to a phishing text message
If you’ve clicked on a phishing link, tools like antivirus software and malware scanners can detect and remove harmful files that may have been downloaded to your device. These tools actively search for suspicious activity or programs, blocking malware before it can cause damage. Updating your device is equally important because updates often patch security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit, providing enhanced protection against malware and other threats. You can also use anti-phishing tools to protect sensitive data.
How to avoid phishing text messages
Remember these six tips to avoid common phishing text message scams:
- Do not click on any suspicious links.
- Do not share any personal or financial information.
- Check the authenticity of a number.
- Be suspicious if you receive an urgent message offering a discount or freebie.
- Do not respond to texts you haven’t opted in to.
- Check for signs of phishing, like too-good-to-be-true offers or payment requests.
Why is it important to report phishing text messages?
Reporting phishing text messages is crucial because it helps prevent scammers from succeeding in their schemes and reduces the overall prevalence of cybercrime. When you report these messages, you alert authorities or service providers who can take action to block the sender and warn others. It also reinforces your own cybersecurity habits because recognizing and responding to suspicious texts encourages vigilance. By reporting, you protect not just yourself but also others who might be less aware of phishing dangers.