The 7728 short code is the official, free-to-use number provided by major mobile carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for you to report unwanted spam and phishing text messages. This service is a powerful tool that allows you to take action against the junk messages that clutter your inbox.
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with a suspicious text, forwarding it to the 7728 short code is the correct and most effective response. This guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions on how to use this valuable service.
What is the 7728 (SPAM) Short Code?
The number 7728 was chosen because it spells SPAM on a traditional phone keypad, making it an easy-to-remember tool for fighting unwanted messages. It is not a number that belongs to a single company; rather, it’s an industry-standard reporting system supported by nearly all mobile providers in North America.
- Purpose: To collect and analyze spam, phishing (“smishing”), and fraudulent text messages from customers.
- Cost: The service is completely free. You will not be charged for any messages you forward to 7728.
- Goal: To help carriers identify, track, and block the sources of spam, improving network security for all customers.
How to Use the 7728 Short Code to Report Spam (Step-by-Step)
Reporting a spam text is a quick and easy process that is very similar for both iPhone and Android devices.
- Do NOT reply to the spam message. Never click on any links, open attachments, or call any numbers in a suspicious text. Interacting with the message only confirms to the scammer that your number is active.
- Press and hold the spam message bubble until a menu of options appears.
- Select the “Forward” (On some Android phones, you may need to tap a three-dot menu icon first and then select “Forward”).
- A new, blank message will be created with the spam text copied into the body. In the “To:” recipient field, type the four-digit number 7728.
- Press Send.
You have now successfully reported the message to your carrier’s security team.
What Happens After You Report a Message?
Once you have forwarded the spam text, your work is done, but your carrier’s work begins.
- Confirmation: You will typically receive an immediate automated reply from your carrier thanking you for the report and confirming its receipt.
- Investigation: Your provider’s security team analyzes the content, links, and origin number of the spam message. This data is logged and cross-referenced with other reports to identify patterns and large-scale spam campaigns.
- Action: Based on the investigation, carriers can block the spammer’s phone number or short code at the network level, preventing them from sending more messages to other customers.
While reporting doesn’t guarantee you’ll never get another spam text, it’s a crucial step in a collective effort to combat them. For immediate relief, it is also recommended that you manually block the sender’s number on your phone after reporting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 7728 short code a scam?
No, the 7728 short code is not a scam. It is the legitimate and official tool provided by mobile carriers to fight scams. The code itself is completely safe to use.
Does reporting to 7728 cost money?
No, this is a 100% free service offered by carriers to help them keep their networks clean. It will not use messages from a limited plan or incur any fees.
Does the 7728 short code work for all carriers?
This service is supported by all major U.S. and Canadian carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Bell, and Rogers, as well as most smaller mobile providers.
What is the difference between reporting to 7728 and just blocking the number?
Blocking a number only protects you from that specific sender. Reporting the message to the 7728 short code helps your carrier protect all of their customers from that sender. The most effective strategy is to do both: report first, then block.
Conclusion
The 7728 short code is your most effective tool in the ongoing battle against spam text messages. It is a simple, free, and direct way to notify your mobile carrier of fraudulent and unwanted communications. By remembering to forward spam to 7728, you are not just cleaning your own inbox—you are playing an active role in making the mobile ecosystem safer for everyone.
