New Service to Report Text Message Spam

North American wireless carriers are using a spam-reporting service backed by GSMA, a global association of wireless carriers.   The service collects spam complaints, making it easier for carriers to take action against the spammers.   A recent article, Getting Text Spam? New Service Helps You Report It, Amy Gahran, CNN Tech 3/19/12, describes how to use it:

“When you receive a spam text message on your phone, forward that text to the shortcode 7726 (which spells “SPAM”). You’ll then receive an automated message from your wireless carrier, asking you then to enter the phone number from which the spam text was sent.”

The complaint is registered and you are provided with instructions on how to block text messages from a certain phone number.

The FCC’s Guide to Spam: Unwanted Text Messages and Emails provides more information about anti-spam laws.