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What is 7726?

UK mobile customers can forward a suspicious text to 7726, a short number whose digits spell SPAM on a phone keypad. Most UK mobile providers take part, and that report is not charged. Ofcom also tells people to forward a suspicious phone number to 7726 after a scam call. 132

By Secordit. Last checked: 10 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. Forward the suspicious text to 7726. The NCSC and Ofcom say this lets your provider investigate the origin. If the message is found to be malicious, the provider can arrange to block or ban the sender. 12
  2. After a scam call, Ofcom also tells people to forward the suspicious phone number to 7726, so the provider can investigate and potentially block it. Do not call back numbers you do not recognise, especially premium-rate prefixes Ofcom lists. 2
  3. Do not click links, reply, or share personal or financial details. Ofcom says that if the sender is unknown, even replying to opt out can confirm that your number is active. 2

How it can look

A text arrives from a number you do not know. Forward the whole message to 7726. If 7726 does not work, the NCSC says to contact your phone provider and ask how to report a text. 12

Warning signs

  • A text or call asks you to click a link, call back, or share personal or financial details. 21
  • The sender is unknown, and a reply that looks like an opt-out could confirm that your number is active. 2
  • 7726 does not work on your phone, so you need another way to report the text to your provider. 1

What to do now

  1. Forward the suspicious text, or the suspicious call number, to 7726. If 7726 does not work, contact your phone provider to ask how to report a text. 123
  2. Do not click links, reply, or share personal or financial details, and do not call back numbers you do not recognise. 2
  3. If you have already shared information or sent money, contact your bank. Use the number on your card, or 159 if your bank supports it. Then report to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 253678

UK reporting and support

  • Forward suspicious texts or call numbers to 7726. If that does not work, ask your phone provider how to report a text. 123
  • The NCSC also accepts a screenshot of a scam text or QR code by email to [email protected]. 1
  • Use Report Fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland if you have shared information or sent money. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 52678
  • You can also complain to the ICO about spam texts and nuisance sales calls. That route sits alongside 7726 and Report Fraud. 4

How to protect yourself

  • Do not click links in unexpected texts, and do not reply even to opt out if you do not know the sender. 2
  • Do not call back numbers you do not recognise, especially premium-rate prefixes Ofcom lists. 2
  • If money or details have already gone, contact your bank and report to Report Fraud as well as using 7726. 25

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I forward a scam text to 7726?

Your provider can investigate the origin and, if the message is found to be malicious, arrange to block or ban the sender. That is not a promise that any one sender will be blocked. 12

Can I use 7726 after a scam call as well as after a text?

Yes. Ofcom tells people to forward a suspicious phone number to 7726 after a scam call, so the provider can investigate and potentially block it. Mobile UK also says UK mobile customers can use 7726 for unwanted SMS or mobile calls. 23

Does reporting to 7726 replace a report to Report Fraud?

No. If you have already shared information or sent money, contact your bank and report to Report Fraud, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland. The NCSC also accepts a screenshot of a scam text or QR code at [email protected]. 125678

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for the money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. NCSC, Report a scam text. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Ofcom, What to do about a scam call, text or message. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Mobile UK, Protect against fraud. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. ICO, Report spam texts and nuisance sales calls. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Report Fraud, Report Fraud. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Report Fraud, Guide to reporting cyber crime and fraud. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  7. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  8. Report Fraud, Reporting cyber crime and fraud or phishing attempts - Report Fraud. Accessed 10 November 2026 (Europe/London).