How to report and block spam in iMessage
Apple has made several questionable decisions, like killing the headphone jack in favor of AirPods and otherwireless earbuds. However, iMessage is not one of them. iMessage is one of the crown jewels of the Apple ecosystem. It’s included in the default messaging app on the iPhone and offers all the modern messaging features you require from such a service. iMessage has everything from supporting text and voice messages to sending photos and videos and adding cool message reactions.
There’s also a drawback to using iMessage as the default message app, and it’s the spam text messages. We would not have to deal with spam emails and robocalls in a perfect world. However, we don’t live in such a world, so we must manage spam messages every day. The good news is your iPhone has features that can help you tackle these spam messages. Here’s how to mute, filter, block, and report spam in iMessage.
What are spam messages?
When we talk about spam messages, people automatically think about phishing messages that impersonate reputed companies to get you to click suspicious links and hack your credit card information. In reality, spam messages don’t have to be a devious attempt to scam you. They can be unwanted junk messages you don’t want to receive.
Depending on the type of spam you receive in your iMessage, you can mute, filter, report, andblock these messages on Androidand iOS. We explain all these actions in detail in the sections below.
Don’t get scammed through texting
How to mute spam messages in iMessage
A spam message doesn’t always have to be from scammers and spammers. It can be a distasteful group you are part of or someone who texts you incessantly and breaks your focus. You cannot block these people because they might be your friend or family member. But you can mute them, so you aren’t constantly annoyed by their message notifications.
All muted threads have a faded bell icon to help you identify them. You can unmute a thread by swiping on it and choosing theUnmuteoption.
How to filter spam from unknown senders on iMessage
If you get spam messages from unknown phone numbers that are not in your contact list, filter them. Filtering spam from unknown senders does two things. First, it stores these messages in a separate Unknown Senders list to unclutter your iMessage. Second, it automatically mutes such messages, so you don’t receive notifications.
How to report spam in iMessage
A big part of the iOS 16 update is Apple’s enhancements to its Messages, Mail, Reminders, and other stock apps. One of the enhancements in iOS 16 is the ability to report spam text messages in iMessage.
If a spam message doesn’t show the Report Junk button, report the message via email. Take a screenshot of the spam message, the number it was sent from, and the time you received it. Then, send it toimessage.spam@icloud.comto report it.
How to block spam texts in iMessage
Apple’s spam messaging filtering and reporting features work great, but those features cannot identify all spam messages. If you receive spam in iMessage from unknown numbers that Apple cannot filter, block those messages.
How to report spam in iMessage to phone carriers
Apart from reporting spam messages to Apple, you can report these messages to phone carriers by forwarding the message to 7726 or SPAM. It works regardless of your phone carrier, as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) has assigned 7726 (spells SPAM) for reporting spam text messages.
Whether you use AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or another phone carrier, use the steps below to report spam messages.
How to report spam messages to the FTC
If a spam message is annoying and fraudulent, report the message to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To report a spam message to the FTC, visit itsfraud reporting websiteand share the details. The FTC shares the data with law enforcement agencies to keep track of their fraudulent activities.
Get rid of spam in iMessage
Navigating through the clutter of spam in your iMessage can be a hassle, but it’s manageable with the right tools and knowledge. Use the above methods to report and get rid of spam in iMessage on your iPhone. If you’re a multi-device user, familiarize yourself with spam management andreport phishing on other platforms like an Android phone. Stay informed, stay secure, and keep your messaging experience spam-free.
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