Use this page to identify, report, and prevent spam, scams, and fraud on your T-Mobile device and account.
On this page:
Text Message (SMS) spam, scams, and fraud
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 below 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
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. If your device is not compatible with iOS 16, scroll down to learn how to report spam messages by forwarding the message to 7726.
From message list
- Press and hold the spam message
- Tap Report Junk
- Tap Delete and Report Junk
From inside a conversation:
- Scroll to the bottom of the message
- Tap Report Junk
- Tap Delete and Report Junk
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, scroll down to learn how to report spam messages by forwarding the message to 7726.
From your list of messages:
- Press and hold the spam message
- Tap More options
- Tap Block
- When Block & report message appears, tap OK
From inside a conversation:
- Tap Report spam
- Select Block if you would like to block the number
- Tap Report spam
If you don’t see Report spam or have saved the person in your contacts:
- From the conversation, tap More options
- Tap Details
- Tap Block & report spam and then press OK.
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 see a forward option:
- Long press on message text and select Copy
- Create a new message to 7726
- Paste the copied text and press send
- 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. Scam ID also catches spoofed calls because T-Mobile looks 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 see 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://calltransparency.com/ gives businesses the ability to register their business number(s) and name, so their calls to customers are recognized as legitimate.
- Help us improve these services by reporting an improperly identified call.
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 see an 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 a store, or Contact us.
- Qualifying service and capable device required. Enabling Scam Blocking may inadvertently block desired calls. Disable Scam Blocking at any time.
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 circumstances. 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 our Privacy Center.
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.
- If your device supports caller verification, you'll see "Number Verified", “Caller Verified”, or “T-Mobile Verified” in the caller ID.
- You might also see a checkmark in the call log when you receive a call that has been verified as authentic, not spoofed.
- Companies can sign up for Verified Business Calls (VBC) so their customers can be sure it's their company calling. You can even tell your customers what the call is about!
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.
- T-Mobile Scam Shield app is available for Android 7.0 or higher and iOS 12.1 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
- Blocked number lists are stored on 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: 4.6.2
- iOS: 2.13
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| Report scam, spam, spoofed, and safe calls | From the app
If you do not see the Menu icon on the activity tab, just choose a number and select Report. From a web browser
|
| Change settings (feature only)/view software version |
|
| Allow a number |
|
| Manage exisiting rules |
|
| View caller details |
|
| Verified business calls (VBC) | Formerly Enhanced Caller Information, this Android-only feature lets you know what company is calling and why. You'll see the company name, their brand logo as a contact image, and the reason for the call. To turn this feature on or off, follow these steps:
|
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| 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.
To unsubscribe:
|
| Block a number/ send to voicemail |
|
| Manage call categories |
|
| Reverse number lookup |
|
Prevent fraud on your T-Mobile account
- Don’t act on any message if you're suspicious of the content, even if it looks 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 Associations'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 MSISDN@tmomail.net 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 the above tips don't work for you, you can change your phone number.
- Use the Dispute form to submit all applicable details.
- Have the following documents available to upload to the form:
- Copy of an identity theft police report or an Identity Theft Report filed with the FTC (CA residents only)
- Copy of your state/government-issued ID
If you suspect a T-Mobile account was fraudulently opened using your identity:
- Follow the checklist found on Identitytheft.gov to prevent more fraud.
- File a police report and retain a copy.
- Contact us as soon as possible.
FACTA Request (Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act) for T-Mobile and Metro
- As a victim of identity theft, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) entitles you to receive specific information pertaining to a disputed account/transaction under your personal information. Your request will be processed within 30 business days (10 business days for CA residents) from receipt of the written request, containing all necessary documents. The requested information will be sent by mail to the address provided during the request submission.
- Use the FACTA request form to request information through FACTA.
- Have the following documents available to upload to the form:
- Copy of a police report for identity theft or an Identity Theft Report filed with the FTC (CA residents only)
- Signed affidavit from the FTC
- Signed written request detailing what information is being requested
- Copy of your state/government-issued ID
A fraud alert indicates to anyone requesting your credit file that you suspect you are a possible victim of fraud. A fraud alert does not affect your ability to get a loan or credit. Instead, it alerts a business that your personal information might have been compromised and requires that business to verify your identity before issuing you credit. Although this may cause some short delay if you are the one applying for the credit, it might protect against someone else obtaining credit in your name.
To request a security freeze, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc
- Social Security number;
- Date of birth;
- If you have moved in the past five (5) years, the addresses where you have lived over those prior five (5) years;
- Proof of current address such as a current utility bill or phone bill; and
- A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, military identification, etc.).
A security freeze prohibits a credit reporting agency from releasing any information from a consumer’s credit report without written authorization. However, please be aware that placing a security freeze on your credit report may delay, interfere with or prevent the timely approval of any requests you make for new loans, credit, mortgages, employment, housing or other services.
A credit reporting agency may not charge you to place, temporarily lift, or permanently remove a security freeze.
To place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report, you must contact the three credit bureaus below:
| Equifax | Experian | TransUnion |
|---|---|---|
Consumer Fraud Division P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374 |
Consumer Fraud Division P.O. Box 4500 Allen, TX 75013 |
TransUnion LLC P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 |
FTC Contact Information
You may also contact the FTC for further information on fraud alerts, security freezes, and how to protect yourself from identity theft. The FTC can be contacted at:
- Mail: 400 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Phone: 1-877-382-4357
- Online: www.consumer.gov/idtheft
State resources
Your state attorney general may also have advice on preventing identity theft, and you should report instances of known or suspected identity theft to law enforcement, your state attorney general, or the FTC.
California Residents: Visit the California Office of Privacy Protection https://oag.ca.gov/privacy for additional information on protection against identity theft.
Iowa Residents: The Attorney General can be contacted at the Office of Attorney General of Iowa, Hoover State Office Building, 1305 E. Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319; by phone 1-515-281-5164; or at www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov.
Kentucky Residents:The Attorney General can be contacted at the Office of the Attorney General of Kentucky,700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 118Frankfort, Kentucky 40601;by phone 1-502-696-5300; or at www.ag.ky.gov.
Maryland Residents: The Attorney General can be contacted at the Office of Attorney General, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202; by phone 1-888-743-0023; or at www.oag.state.md.us.
Massachusetts Residents: Under Massachusetts law, you have the right to obtain any police report filed in connection to the incident. If you are the victim of identity theft, you also have the right to file a police report and obtain a copy of it.
New York: Visit the New York Attorney General’s Office website on data breaches https://ag.ny.gov/internet/data-breach for additional information on protection against identity theft.
- If you ever suspect that you are the victim of identity theft or fraud, you have the right to file a report with the police or law enforcement.
- In addition, you may contact the FTC or your state’s attorney general to learn more about the steps you can take to protect yourself against identity theft.
- U.S. residents are entitled under U.S. law to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus. To order your free credit reports, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free from the U.S 1-877-322-8228.
- More information can be found on this page to contact the FTC and your state’s attorney general.
- www.donotcall.gov - Federal Trade Commission
- Register your phone number on the FTC National Do Not Call Registry.
- If you continue to receive spam messages or calls, file a complaint with the FTC at the same website.
- 6 Ways to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud in the Scams & Fraud section on AARP website
- Online safety tips and advice - Stop.Think.Connect website
- Spam and phishing - StaySafeOnline website
- Got more questions on protecting yourself from mobile fraud?
- Contact us however it’s most convenient for you.
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