Text Messages fro 10 digit numbers

Hi there patchelect10! We can point you in the right direction. 

We understand how frustrating it is to get a text from a number that you do not know.   

Over the past year, there has been increase of spam or what is called phishing text messages, across all carriers. 

Let us provide some information about some things that you can do to prevent SMS and phishing texts. 

1. Forward the suspicious text to us at 7726. Messages forwarded to 7726 are free. They don't count toward your text plan. If you can’t see the number, forward the entire message to abuse@att.net.
2. Report spam and fraud text to us.
3. Send a suspicious text message to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org, or report it to the FTC.
4. Go to IdentityTheft.gov to learn more about this kind of criminal activity and how to stop it.

Also, we do have some mobile security apps at your disposal.  One of the biggest mobile security apps that we have is called AT&T Call Protect. This app is a great way to manage on or prevent these things from happing.  You can find out more about AT&T Call Protect, by clinking on the fore mentioned link.  

We do hope that this helps! Please reply back here, if you have any questions or need further help. 

Thank you for using the AT&T Community Forums

Matthew, AT&T Community Specialist

I understand the suggestions and thanks. My current issue is the inability on my part to get the cut and paste function working properly on my iPhone X. As son as I work out that issue I will at least be able to forward the annoying texts even if I cannot stop them.

Whatever happened to opt in instead of opt out?

You don’t need to cut and paste to forward a text on an iPhone. Select the text, then select more, than click the forward icon. Just FYI, those 1-410 numbers indicate the texts are coming from emails through the email to text gateway. The 1-410 number is assigned by the gateway. When you forward those texts to 7726 and respond with the 1-410 number, ATT should block the originating email address. Unfortunately, the spammers just keep using different email addresses.

Hello @patchelect10, let's look into why your cut and paste function isn't working properly.

You would want to make sure that you have the most recent software update to your device to ensure you have the latest features and device protection options.

If you continue to experience the cut and paste function not working properly. Use our Troubleshooting and Resolve Tool  by signing in for step-by-step help for your device. 

When you're saying opt in instead of opt out. What exactly are you wanting to opt into?

Let us know if this information helps, and thank you for reaching out to the AT&T Community Forum

Jeff, AT&T Community Specialist  

I managed to figure out the forwarding function, although I got a message "Thanks for reporting. Please reply with the sender phone number....." Obviously I don't really know it. Hopefully the "other end" will figure things out.

As for my "opt in" comment I meant that opting in to receiving texts vs having to opt out from everything. The assumption is that we WANT the junk and need to define it rather than assuming we DON'T want it unless we ask for it. I might allow this garbage from a previously dealt with sender, but the outright spamming of junk, be it texts or email, is what I am referring to. If I deal with AT&T for example, I can accept getting messages until I opt out, but if I never dealt with AT&T I don't want to have to opt out of their advertising.

I managed to figure out the forwarding function, although I got a message "Thanks for reporting. Please reply with the sender phone number....." Obviously I don't really know it.

Yes you do. Just reply with the 1-410 number the text came from. ATT can then determine the originating email.

thanks

Hi @patchelect10! Let's address your spam text messages inquiry!

To reply to the 7726 (SPAM) prompts, enter the phone number that is sending you the unwanted text messages as @sandblaster stated. Please do not open, respond or click on any links on the unwanted text messages as doing so alerts the spammer that your number is active and compromises your private data. 

We hope this helps! Thank you for reaching out to the community!

Rhoda, AT&T Community Specialist

Thanks again.