Spam texts can be more than an annoyance. Some are designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link, sharing personal information, giving away an authentication code, or sending money.
Fortunately, you can reduce unwanted messages using tools built into your phone, your wireless provider's spam protection, and the reporting systems available through your messaging app.
The best approach is simple: don't interact with suspicious messages, block and report spam, and use your phone's filtering tools to reduce unwanted texts.
Why am I getting spam texts?
Scammers send large numbers of text messages because texting is a convenient way to reach people. A message may pretend to be from a delivery company, financial institution, government agency, retailer, employer, or another organization you recognize.
Common spam and scam texts include:
- Fake package-delivery notifications
- Fake unpaid toll notices
- Banking or payment alerts
- Account-security warnings
- Fake job offers
- Prize or giveaway notifications
- "Wrong number" messages that try to start a conversation
- Messages containing suspicious links
- Requests for passwords, payment information, or verification codes
The FTC reported that consumers received more scam contacts by text than any other contact method in its 2025 fraud reporting data.
Your phone number may also be shared or exposed through websites, online accounts, data breaches, business databases, or other sources. You usually can't determine exactly how a spammer obtained your number.
Are spam texts illegal?
Some unwanted text messages can violate federal laws and regulations, but not every unwanted text is automatically illegal.
The legality of a message can depend on factors such as the type of message, how it was sent, whether you consented to receive it, and the organization or individual sending it.
Rather than trying to determine the legal status of every unwanted text yourself, focus on protecting your information and reporting suspicious messages.
If a text appears to be a scam or fraud attempt, you can report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How to stop spam texts
There isn't one setting that will eliminate every unwanted text. Instead, combine several layers of protection.
1. Filter messages from unknown senders on iPhone
Current versions of iOS provide several ways to screen and filter messages from people you don't know.
In the Messages app:
- Open Messages.
- In the conversation list, tap the Filter button.
- Tap Manage Filtering.
- Turn on Screen Unknown Senders.
Messages from unknown senders can then be separated from your regular conversations, and you can choose which types of notifications you want to receive from them. iPhone also provides filtering for certain transactions and promotions.
You can also report individual messages as spam. In Messages, use the Report Spam option when it is available. Apple notes that reporting a message does not necessarily prevent the sender from sending future messages, so blocking the sender can provide an additional layer of protection.
2. Use spam protection on Android
If you use Google Messages, built-in spam protection can identify and filter suspected spam.
To check the setting:
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile picture or initials.
- Select Messages settings.
- Select Protection & safety.
- Check Spam protection.
Google says spam protection can use on-device machine learning and other signals to identify suspected spam. Messages detected as spam can be filtered, and you can report messages that weren't correctly identified.
The exact settings can vary by Android device, messaging app, carrier, and software version.
3. Block and report individual spam numbers
If a message comes from a specific number, you can block the sender.
On iPhone, open the conversation, select the sender's information, and choose Block Contact.
In Google Messages, touch and hold the conversation and select Block, or use Block & report spam when available.
Blocking one number won't necessarily stop future spam because scammers can use different numbers. That's why reporting the message is also useful.
4. Forward spam texts to 7726
One of the simplest ways to report an unwanted text is to forward it to 7726, which spells SPAM.
The FTC recommends forwarding unwanted text messages to 7726. This helps wireless providers identify and block similar messages.
You can also use your messaging app's built-in Report Spam, Report Junk, or similar option when available.
Why report spam instead of simply deleting it?
Deleting a message removes it from your phone, but reporting it can provide information that helps your carrier or messaging provider identify similar spam.
Reporting isn't guaranteed to stop the sender, but it can contribute to broader spam detection and filtering.
5. Use your wireless provider's spam protection
Many wireless providers offer tools for identifying or blocking suspicious calls and messages.
Available features vary by provider and plan, but may include:
- Spam detection
- Scam warnings
- Call and text blocking
- Caller ID
- Number reporting
- Filtering of suspected fraudulent messages
Check your provider's current security and spam-protection options rather than relying on an older app name or feature list.
The FTC also recommends checking with your wireless provider for available tools to block unwanted calls and texts.
6. Don't reply to suspicious texts
If you receive a suspicious message, don't respond just to tell the sender to stop.
A response can confirm that your number is active and may lead to additional unwanted messages.
Instead:
- Don't reply.
- Don't click links.
- Don't download attachments.
- Report the message.
- Block the sender.
- Delete the message.
There is one important exception: if you recognize a legitimate business message and it provides a legitimate unsubscribe option, you may use that option instead of treating it as spam.
For example, Google Messages supports an Unsubscribe option for certain business messages.
7. Never click unexpected links
A suspicious text may try to send you to a website that looks like the real site of a bank, retailer, delivery company, government agency, or other organization.
The FTC recommends not clicking links in unexpected messages that ask for personal or financial information. If you think a message might be legitimate, contact the organization using a phone number or website you know is genuine, rather than using information provided in the text.
For example, if you receive a text claiming there is a problem with your bank account:
Don't:
- Click the link in the message.
- Enter your password.
- Provide your debit or credit card number.
- Give someone an authentication code.
- Download an unexpected app.
Do:
- Open your bank's official app yourself.
- Type the organization's website address manually.
- Contact the organization using a trusted phone number.
8. Be especially careful with "wrong number" texts
Not every scam starts with an obvious sales pitch.
A scammer may send a message that appears to be a simple mistake:
"Hi, are we still meeting for dinner tonight?"
If you respond, the conversation may gradually turn into an attempt to establish trust, collect personal information, promote an investment opportunity, or convince you to send money.
If you don't recognize the sender, you don't need to correct them. Don't engage with unexpected messages simply because they appear friendly or harmless.
9. Consider a third-party spam-blocking app
Some third-party apps offer additional call and message filtering.
Before installing one, review:
- The developer
- App permissions
- Privacy policy
- Data collection practices
- Recent reviews
- Subscription terms
- Whether the app actually supports your device and messaging platform
Be especially careful with apps that request access to more information than they reasonably need.
Your phone's built-in filtering and your wireless provider's tools may be enough for many people, so a third-party app isn't always necessary.
10. Don't rely on the Do Not Call Registry to stop spam texts
The National Do Not Call Registry can help consumers reduce certain telemarketing calls, but it is not a reliable solution for scam text messages.
The FTC describes the registry as a way for consumers to tell companies they do not want to receive most telemarketing sales calls and robocalls.
Scammers who ignore other laws and regulations aren't likely to honor a Do Not Call registration.
If you're dealing specifically with spam texts, use your phone's filtering and blocking tools and report the messages to 7726 and the FTC.
What if I clicked a link in a spam text?
Don't panic, but take the situation seriously.
What you should do depends on what happened after you clicked.
If you clicked but didn't enter information
Close the website and don't download anything it offers.
If the page attempted to download a file or application, don't open it.
Keep your operating system, browser, and security software updated.
If you entered a password
Change the password immediately from the legitimate website or app.
If you used that password anywhere else, change it there too. Use a unique password for every important account.
Enable multi-factor authentication where available.
If you entered financial information
Contact your bank, credit card company, or other financial institution using a trusted phone number or official app.
Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
If you provided an authentication code
Contact the affected service immediately and review your account's recent activity and security settings.
An unexpected request for an authentication code can be a sign that someone is attempting to access your account.
How to report spam texts
You have several reporting options.
Report the message to your carrier
Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).
Report it through your messaging app
Use Report Spam, Report Junk, or the equivalent feature on your phone.
Apple and Google both provide reporting and blocking tools in their current messaging applications.
Report fraud to the FTC
If the message is part of a scam or fraud attempt, report it at:
The FTC recommends reporting unwanted texts and scams because reports help authorities identify patterns and investigate fraudulent activity.
Spam text FAQs
How do I block spam texts permanently?
There is no universal way to prevent every spam text from reaching your phone. Use your phone's spam and unknown-sender filtering, block individual senders, use your carrier's spam protection, and report unwanted messages to 7726.
Should I reply "STOP" to a spam text?
Only use an unsubscribe option when you're confident the message comes from a legitimate business or service you recognize.
For suspicious or scam messages, don't reply. Report and delete them instead.
Does blocking a number stop spam texts?
Blocking prevents messages from that specific sender or number from reaching you, but scammers can switch to new numbers. Use spam filtering and reporting in addition to blocking individual numbers.
Can spam texts hack my phone?
Receiving a text message does not automatically mean your phone has been hacked.
The greater risk is often what happens if you interact with the message, such as clicking a malicious link, downloading something, entering credentials, or providing sensitive information.
Should I delete spam texts?
After reporting the message, you can delete it. If you may need the message as evidence of fraud or harassment, consider keeping a record before deleting it.
Is 7726 really for spam texts?
Yes. The FTC recommends forwarding unwanted text messages to 7726 (SPAM) to help wireless providers identify and block similar messages.
The bottom line on spam texts
Spam texts aren't just annoying. Some are designed to steal passwords, financial information, authentication codes, or money.
The most effective approach is to combine several protections:
- Turn on spam filtering.
- Screen messages from unknown senders.
- Block suspicious numbers.
- Report spam to your messaging app.
- Forward unwanted texts to 7726.
- Don't click unexpected links.
- Don't provide sensitive information by text.
- Report scams to the FTC.
You don't need to interact with a suspicious message to make it stop. Report it, block it, and delete it.
About the Author
Tom Gerencer is a contributing writer for HP Tech@Work. Tom is an ASJA journalist, career expert at Zety.com, and a regular contributor to Boys' Life and Scouting magazines. His work is featured in Costco Connection, FastCompany, and many more.
