TL;DR: In Canada, forward scam texts to 7726 (it spells SPAM). It’s free and doesn’t count against your plan. For spam emails and messages that break Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), report to the federal Spam Reporting Centre. Don’t reply to the sender, even with STOP, if it looks like a scam: replying confirms your number is live.
Texts: forward to 7726
Consumer Protection BC explains that forwarding to 7726 lets your mobile provider start investigating. It’s free and doesn’t use your data or messaging allowance. The federal Get Cyber Safe campaign promotes the same number.
iPhone
- Touch and hold the message.
- Tap More.
- Select the message and tap the forward arrow.
- Enter 7726 and send.
Android
- Press and hold the message (don’t tap the link).
- Choose Forward.
- Send to 7726.
Some carriers may ask you for the sender’s number in a follow-up text. If 7726 doesn’t work for you, ask your provider for its reporting number.
Tip: save 7726 in your contacts as "SPAM." Reporting becomes a two-second habit, and there’s something satisfying about it.
Emails: the Spam Reporting Centre
The federal government’s spam guidance says to report spam to the Spam Reporting Centre, and to go to local police if you’ve been threatened, are a crime victim or fear for someone’s safety.
What counts as spam under CASL
Spam is broader than junk email. The legal definition can cover:
- commercial messages sent without your consent;
- messages that don’t identify the sender with contact info;
- messages with no unsubscribe option;
- installing programs without consent, misleading websites, and harvesting email addresses.
Even a real business can break CASL by emailing you without consent or without an unsubscribe link.
Red flags the government lists
- You’ve never dealt with the sender.
- No unsubscribe option.
- Sender isn’t clearly identified.
- It asks for sensitive personal or financial info.
- It pretends to be someone you know.
- Spelling and grammar errors.
- Threats or urgency ("your account will be deleted").
- It asks for money upfront.
- It’s too good to be true.
Don’t reply, don’t click
Replying, even "STOP," tells a scammer your number works. Clicking may load malware or a fake login page. Report and delete.
Lost money? Report it properly
7726 and the Spam Reporting Centre stop spam. They don’t recover money. If you lost money or shared details, contact your bank, local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. See our CAFC reporting guide.
Fewer calls too
For telemarketing calls, register with the National Do Not Call List. For why you’re getting so many texts in the first place, a free exposure check shows where your contact details have leaked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number do I forward spam texts to in Canada?
7726, which spells SPAM on a keypad.
Does it cost anything to forward a text to 7726?
No. It’s free and doesn’t count toward your messaging or data package.
Where do I report spam emails in Canada?
To the federal Spam Reporting Centre under Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation.
Should I reply STOP to a scam text?
No. Replying confirms your number is active. Forward it to 7726 and delete it.
Sources
- Consumer Protection BC: Receive a spam text?
- Get Cyber Safe: SPAM 7726
- Government of Canada: Protect yourself from spam
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre