How to Report SMS and Call Harassment

Being flooded with texts or calls is more than an annoyance, and you are allowed to treat it seriously. Reporting it can help your carrier block the source and, where it is harassment, can create a record that matters later. This guide explains how to collect evidence and who to contact. It is general information, not legal advice, and the right route depends on your country.

Step 1: Keep Evidence

  • Take screenshots of your call history and message threads, with dates and times visible.
  • Write down the numbers, times and any message content or voicemail.
  • Do not delete the evidence, even if the messages are upsetting.
  • Save emails or texts from your carrier about any reports you make.

Step 2: Protect Yourself First

Before reporting, reduce the disruption. Silence unknown callers, switch on Do Not Disturb and follow our guides on how to stop SMS bombing and how to stop call bombing on iPhone and Android. A calmer phone makes it easier to collect clear evidence.

Step 3: Report Spam Texts

In many countries you can forward spam or suspicious texts to 7726 (which spells SPAM on a keypad). Several major mobile networks, including in the United States and the United Kingdom, use these reports to identify and block spam senders. After you forward the text, you may receive a reply asking for the sender’s number. Check your carrier’s website to confirm the service is available on your network.

Step 4: Contact Your Mobile Carrier

Explain that you are receiving repeated unwanted calls or texts and ask what they can do. Depending on the network, they may be able to add call or text filtering, investigate the sending numbers or offer you a new number. Ask for a reference number so you can follow up.

Step 5: Report to the Right Authority

  • If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
  • If it is harassment or threats, report it to your local police. In many countries there is a non-emergency line for this. Take your evidence with you.
  • For spam and nuisance calls, you can usually complain to a regulator or consumer body. For example, in the United States, the FTC and the FCC accept complaints about unwanted calls and texts, and in the United Kingdom, Ofcom handles complaints about nuisance and silent calls.
  • If you think someone is trying to get into your accounts, contact the service provider, change your passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.

Regulator names and complaint processes change, so check the current official website for your country before filing.

Step 6: Secure Your Accounts

  • Change passwords on email, banking and any account that sends you verification codes.
  • Use an authenticator app instead of text messages for two-factor authentication where possible.
  • Use a separate number for sign-ups and avoid posting your main number publicly.

If the Person Is Someone You Know

If you know or suspect who is doing it, avoid replying in anger, because replies can escalate things and may be used against you. Keep your evidence, tell someone you trust and let the authorities or your carrier act. If you are a young person, tell a parent, guardian, teacher or another adult you trust.

A Note on Pranks

If you are thinking of sending repeated messages or calls to someone as a joke, do not. It can cause real distress and may be illegal. The simulators on this site, including our call bomber simulator, show what a flood looks like on screen and contact no one.