The digits spell SPAM on a keypad, and the service is free on every UK mobile network, so forwarded messages do not come out of your allowance. Reports feed a shared industry picture that is used to block sending numbers and forged sender names.

  1. Forward the suspicious text to 7726.
  2. You will get a reply asking for the sender’s number; send that too.
  3. Delete the original message without opening any link in it.

For a scam call rather than a text, send a message to 7726 with the word “call” followed by the number that rang you. Some networks reply to confirm; others say nothing back, which is normal and does not mean the report was lost.

Reporting will not get your money back. If you have paid anything or entered details, ring your bank on 159 or the number on your card first, then report the loss to Action Fraud, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.