Use this page to identify, report, and prevent spam and scams on your T-Mobile device and account.
On this page:
- Text message (SMS) spam and scams
- Scam Shield app
Text Message (SMS) spam and scams
Text message (SMS) spam is any unwanted texts, often from companies, news sources, banks, restaurants, etc., you may receive. SMS spam should not be confused with Self-service short codes, which include T-Mobile short codes that we use to keep you informed about your account.
- T-Mobile is committed to fighting mobile spam and encourages our customers to report unsolicited messages to us for investigation. If you receive an unsolicited message, please forward it to the Spam Reporting Service following the steps on this page that correspond to your device.
- We automatically forward the message to the Security Center for analysis. The Security Center is a global system, run by a vendor on our behalf, that helps protect mobile phone subscribers from spam, fraud, and malware. The Security Center system is linked to a global database that tracks potential spam messages. The information reported to the Security Center may be shared with government agencies that work to combat spam and prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices.
Report spam messages: Apple iOS
Reporting junk or spam doesn’t prevent the sender from sending messages, but you can block the number to stop receiving them. The option to report spam messages on iPhones is available on devices running iOS 16 or later. For older devices running older iOS versions, follow the steps to forward the message to 7726.
To report spam:
- Open the conversation with the spam message and scroll to the bottom.
- Choose Report Junk > Delete and Report Junk.
Report spam messages: Android
Most Android devices come preinstalled with the Messages by Google app. If your device comes with a different messaging app, you can download the Messages app from the Google Play Store. If you choose not to change your messaging app,follow the steps to forward the message to 7726.
To report spam:
- In the Messages app, select and hold the spam conversation.
- Select Block > Report Spam > OK.
Report spam messages by forwarding to 7726 (All devices)
By reporting SMS spam, you are helping us identify spam operations. There is no charge to report T-Mobile spam. Messages forwarded to 7726 do not count toward your plan.
- Forward the message to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on most phone keypads). Please don’t edit the message or add any comments.
- If you don’t have a forward option:
- Long press on the message text and select Copy.
- Create a new message to 7726.
- Paste the copied text and send it.
- We will reply to your message with an SMS confirming we have received it.
- We will use this information to help identify the spam operations and take appropriate action.
Scam ID & Scam Block
Scam ID and Scam Block are industry-leading free scam protection tools deployed on the T-Mobile network to keep our customers safe from scammers.
- Scam ID automatically displays "Scam Likely" and the number that is calling on suspected scam calls
- As an additional network level identification feature, customers will also see some calls labeled as Telemarketing, Political, Nuisance etc. These are automatically identified at T-Mobile's network level and displayed to our subscribers to help them in making informed decisions on which calls they would like to interact with.
- Scam ID also catches spoofed calls because T-Mobile reviews beyond the incoming number and tracks actual call behavior.
- Scam Block automatically blocks all "Scam Likely" calls before they ever reach your phone, so you never even get them.
- Network-level protection has been added to stop the increasingly common “Neighborhood Spoofing” and prevent hijacked numbers (where scammers temporarily match the area code and 3-digit prefix of the person they are targeting) from reaching your phone.
- The free website https://www.freecallerregistry.com/fcr/gives businesses the ability to register their business number(s) and name, so their calls to customers are recognized as legitimate.
Turn on/off Scam ID & Scam Block
Scam ID and Scam Block are free of charge with your T-Mobile postpaid plan. You can turn them on or off at any time.Scam ID is free and automatic for all T-Mobile customers; no action required.
There are a number of ways to turn on Scam Block:
- Download the free Scam Shield app and toggle on Scam Block
- Dial#662#from your T-Mobile device
- Dial #632# to turn off Scam Block
- Log in to My T-Mobile or the T-Mobile app, where you'll have the option to turn on Scam Block
- To turn Scam Block on for your DIGITS numbers,contact us.
- T-Mobile prepaid customers can turn on Scam Block. Dial#662#, visit astore, orContact us.
- Qualifying service and capable device required. Enabling Scam Blocking may inadvertently block desired calls. Disable Scam Blocking at any time.
Anonymous callers
The FCC mandates that mobile carriers allow callers the ability to block their caller ID information and place anonymous calls. T-Mobile is obligated to honor the privacy of the caller in these circ*mstances. T-Mobile can't block anonymous calls or override the privacy choice of the caller, but you may choose not to accept them. To make an anonymous call yourself, dial *67 before dialing the number you are calling.
For more information about privacy and security, refer to ourPrivacy Center.
Verified callers
T-Mobile makes it easy to know who's calling with caller verification!
- We follow the FCC standards of STIR and SHAKEN to help fight scam callers industry-wide in addition to our own call authentication.
- Number Verified is available on capable devices and will indicate that the incoming number has been validated and authorized. Review the Tech Specs for individual devices to determine if this service is available.
- Spoofed calls occur when scammers illegally mimic originating telephone numbers. Number Verified helps confirm if the calling number is accurate and not impersonating another phone number.
Scam Shield app
- Our free Scam Shield ™ app gives you control over T-Mobile’s anti-scam protections like Scam ID, Scam Block, and Caller ID, which is available to all T-Mobile postpaid customers.
- Eligible customers can download Scam Shield from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- T-Mobile Scam Shield app is available for Android 8.0 or higher and iOS 13 or higher devices.
- A T-Mobile postpaid account is required. Not available for T-Mobile Prepaid.
- Premium Scam Shield features available for an additional charge
- Block whole categories of calls, like Telemarketers or Political Solicitors
- Block calls and texts from specific numbers
- Blocked number lists are stored on the network and automatically transfer to new devices
- Perform a Reverse Number Lookup for unknown callers
- Includes voicemail-to-text, providing voicemail transcripts in the Visual Voicemail app or via text.
- The Scam Shield app does not support Prepaid accounts; however, you are eligible for free scam protection features such as Scam Block and Caller ID.
- Enable Scam Block on Prepaid: Dial #662#
- Enable Caller ID on Prepaid line: Dial #436#
- Latest app versions:
- Android:5.4.0.3607
- iOS:5.4.0 (1043)
How to use the app
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| Report scam, spam, spoofed, and safe calls | Report from the app
Report from a web browser
|
| Report scam, spam, and junk messages | To report text message spam, follow the steps in Text message (SMS) spam, scams, and fraud. |
| Allow a number | Add important numbers to your Allow list to prevent them from being blocked.
If the number isn't in the Activity log, you can manually add it. Get steps in our Tutorial for Android or Tutorial for iOS. |
| Delete call activity | Once you delete your activity, it can't be restored.
|
| View caller details |
|
| Verified business calls (VBC) | Formerly Enhanced Caller Information, this Android-only feature lets you know what company is calling and why. Company name will be listed, their brand logo as a contact image, and the reason for the call. To turn this feature on or off:
|
Premium features
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| Manage your subscription | Upgrade to Scam Shield Premium You must be the account holder or an authorized user to upgrade to Scam Shield Premium through the app. Upgrading to Scam Shield Premium will result in additional charges on your monthly bill.
Unsubscribe and downgrade to Scam Shield Basic:
|
| Block a number from calling | Blocked number lists are stored on the network and automatically transfer to new devices.
If the number isn't in the Activity log, you can manually add it. Get steps in ourTutorial for AndroidorTutorial for iOS. |
| Send call categories to voicemail |
|
| Reverse number lookup |
Some information may not be available for all numbers. |
Extra steps to prevent scams & spam
- Don’t act on any message if you're suspicious of the content, even if it seems like it's from someone you know.
- Avoid using your T-Mobile number for non-T-Mobile contests, promotions, or newsletters.
- Never download applications from unauthorized app stores.
- Do not transfer applications using a memory card to your phone
- Buying a used phone?
- Purchase from a reputable retailer or manufacturer.
- Make sure the phone has been cleared. If you find any information stored in the phone, it may not be safe.
- Check the device's IMEI on the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association's free stolen phone checker tool to ensure it has not been reported stolen.
- Never open a link in a text message unless you're certain that the message is from a trusted source.
- If you have opened a suspicious link, change your T-Mobile ID password and other personal accounts, like banks and social media.
- Messages sent from 3700 to 4299 and 9701 to 9901 are coming from a third party, usually an email provider.
- These messages are how email is delivered to your phone number via your tmomail as a text message.
- Messages can also be delivered as an MMS and will show the sending email address.
- You can opt out of subscription spam by visiting the promotion or newsletter's website.
- Reply to text messages with STOP, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, or QUIT.
- Don’t reply to unwanted messages if you’re unsure who sent it or it doesn’t provide an opt-out option.
- If these tips don't work for you, you can change your phone number.
