Not only are spam texts annoying, but they can also be used to access your personal data and may even end up counting against your texting plan. We’re going to go over what you can do when you receive a spam text and how you can report it to your cell phone provider.
I’ve received a spam text…now what?
- Don’t respond directly to a phone number where you believe the spam text originated. Responding alerts the spammer that your number is genuine
- Forward the spam message to the short code 7726 (SPAM) so that an investigation can be started by your cell phone provider. If you receive a number of spam texts, it is recommended to put 7726 into your contact list so that you don’t need to remember the numbers
- Reporting Spam to 7726 is free and messages don’t count toward your data or messaging usage package
The forwarding methods will vary, depending on your phone. Here are some examples:
- iPhone:
- Touch and hold the message
- Select More – Select the message you want to forward, then select the Arrow in the bottom right corner
- Enter 7726
- Select Send
- Apple also has instructions on their website on how to block numbers, filter messages from unknown senders, and report iMessages that look like spam
- Android and Windows:
- Press the message (being careful not to activate a link)
- Choose Forward (from the menu)
- Forward to 7726
- BlackBerry:
- Open the message
- Using the Menu key select Forward
- Forward to 7726
While Consumer Protection BC is responsible for regulating several industries and oversees specific consumer protection laws, we have no authority when it comes to spam texts. Contact your cell phone provider directly if you have questions about the reporting process or have concerns about being charged for spam texts.
About Consumer Protection BC
We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Canada’s new anti-spam law: what it means for you and for us
Cell phone scams: what do you need to look for?
Own a cellphone? You need to know about ‘smishing’
OMG! Watch out for texting scams
The most effective way to block spam is to use spam filtering app. My favorite is SpamHound https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1263185195 as it has many functions for fine-tune filtering and works without Internet connection. There you can use contain, equals, starts/ends with modes and the app will filter appropriate messages to the Junk folder or display them in a native app.
These 3rd party apps collect your personal info from your phone. Who knows what they do with it.
I forwarded a spam text from my Anrdoid to 7726 as instructed. A day later I received a text message from 7726. It showed a link http://wirelessnoticefreedom.com/mobile. When I clicked on it a warning is issued claiming that it’s a deceptive site, and ask me to “Get me out of here!”.
What is going on?
Hi Sidney, thanks for reaching out to us here about that. I would suggest talking to your cell phone provider about what that might be. I understand that sometimes scammers can “spoof” numbers, making it appear as though something came from a legitimate source, when it did not. Definitely best to speak to your cell phone provider for clarification. I hope this helps.
Nobody wants more spam texts because they report spam.. nobody wants to be woken up in the middle of the night by spam texts
Turn on your do not disturb setting and set the times from bedtime until the hour you normally wake up. No beeps or sounds unless they send a message back to you within minutes.
Tried sending a forwarded text to 7726, instant reply back from my provider Virgin Mobile, “Your message to 7726 could not be delivered. Please check the number and try again”. Pretty standard response in Canada. What do you do?
Hi Jonathan, I looked around a bit and other Virgin mobile users are also recommending 7726 to report spam texts so it’s odd that it didn’t work for you. You may want to call Virgin and see if they have a different number. I’ve also found this page on their website and it talks about security issues. At the bottom of the page, they have a phone number so you may want to contact them if you think you’ve been defrauded. I hope this information helps!
This number does not work on my Koodo phone. Useless. I have been getting spam from the same company and different numbers for 4 months now and there is nothing the government is doing to stop it. Also why would it be required to provide my email here? Do not ever contact me on out me on your list. That is the entire point of me sending a message.
Hi, thank you for contacting us. I did a quick search on Koodo’s website and I found a page that explains how to control incoming calls (here’s the page). Perhaps try some of the methods outlined on this page. I hope the information is useful and you will be able to manage the spam calls.
As for the email address, please do not worry – the only way for people to be on our newsletter list is to sign up themselves. We never add unauthorized emails to our list.
I received a text scam claiming to be from CRA at the same time I received your email about text scams! Serendipity.
I have an iPhone and am with Koodo and the 7726 worked for me.
I am thankful to have gotten your email this morning so I knew how to report this obvious scam. Thanks for your work.
This is so great to hear! Thank you for letting us know:)
The only way to handle scammers is to get them out of your life ASAP. If you get a spam text, DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY. Then the scammer has no opportunity to steal your information.