How to report a scam text (SMS / smishing)

The 10-step scam-text reporting checklist

1. 1

   Don't click the link, don't reply STOP

   Both confirm your number is active and feed it into resale lists. Just leave the text in your inbox until you've forwarded it.

2. 2

   Screenshot the message

   Capture the sender number / shortcode, the full message text (with any URL visible), and the date/time. You'll re-use this evidence for every report below.

3. 3

   Forward to 7726 (SPAM)

   iPhone: long-press → More → Forward → send to 7726. Android: ⋮ → Forward → 7726. Your carrier replies asking for the sender number — reply with it. This pushes the number to the carrier-level block list within minutes.

4. 4

   Report inside Messages

   iPhone: tap 'Report Junk' under the message (visible for senders not in your contacts). Android Messages: ⋮ → 'Block & report spam'. Both feed your provider's filter and stop the campaign for other users.

5. 5

   Report to GACS

   Submit at /report. The number + linked domain are added to the public scam database within minutes.

6. 6

   Report to the FTC

   File at reportfraud.ftc.gov — 5 minutes. The FTC feeds reports into the Consumer Sentinel Network used by 3,000+ partner agencies.

7. 7

   Report to the FCC

   File at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov — pick 'Unwanted texts'. The FCC pursues smishing networks and STIR/SHAKEN violators and shares data with carriers.

8. 8

   Report the linked URL

   If the text contained a link, run it through the GACS website checker, then file separately with Google Safe Browsing (safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish) so Chrome / Safari / Firefox show a warning to the next person.

9. 9

   Report to the impersonated brand

   Fake USPS: spam@uspis.gov. Fake bank: forward to the bank's published abuse address (search '[bank] report phishing text'). Fake Amazon: stop-spoofing@amazon.com. Fake IRS: phishing@irs.gov. Brand abuse teams pursue infrastructure takedowns.

10. 10

    Warn your network

    Smishing waves run in geographic bursts — your friends and family on the same carrier are likely next. Post the screenshot on your group chats and on the GACS public page.

Free copy-paste reporting templates

Reports written in plain English with concrete evidence get actioned faster than walls of text. Copy a template, swap in the details, and paste.

Forward the entire message. The carrier auto-replies asking for the sender number — reply with the number from the message header. No further detail needed.

Type: Text / SMS scam (smishing)
Sender number / shortcode: +1 (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Date / time received: [date] [time], [timezone]
Claimed identity: [e.g. USPS package redelivery]
Full message text: [paste]
Linked URL: [paste]
Did I click: [yes / no]
Did I lose money: [yes / no — amount + method]
Screenshots attached.

FAQ