How can I block texts from a contact using a "shortcode" name?

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Level 1

9 points

How can I block texts from a contact using a "shortcode" name?

I've been receiving spam texts from a shortcode rather than a regular mobile number; i.e. the text message shows "FRANLOCAL" instead of a number.

I've tried Messages>Text Message>Click on contact>Info>Block this caller

It appears to work but if I check the contact again it's not showing as blocked. It's not showing in the list of blocked contacts in Settings either.

I tried adding this shortcode number as a contact and going to Settings>Messages>Blocked Contacts>Add New... but the spammy contact is greyed out and I can't add it.

(I've also reported it to my mobile network by forwarding it to 7726 but that hasn't helped.)

I'm based in the UK and running iOS 15.5.

Any suggestions on how to block this type of spammer?

iPhone 13 Mini

Posted on Jul 15, 2022 11:12 AM

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Answer 1

eljuderino Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 18, 2022 7:45 AM in response to Raicya

Thanks. I've already tried blocking using the methods in your link:

Block phone numbers, contacts, and emails on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

I follow the instructions in the above link to block from Messages. It appears to work, but when I open the contact again the contact is not blocked, and does not appear on my blocked contacts list.

I added this shortcode as a contact to my contacts list and then tried

Settings>Phone>Blocked Contacts>Add New...

The shortcode is the only contact I cannot add. It is greyed out and I can't click on it to add it.

Seems like a bug.

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Answer 2

Raicya

Level 10

209,037 points

Jul 16, 2022 7:16 AM in response to eljuderino

Thanks for your feedback 👍

(If you haven't done it yet) Try this ⤵️

Block phone numbers, contacts, and emails on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Block phone numbers, contacts, and emails on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Detect and block spam phone calls

Detect and block spam phone calls - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Raicya

Level 10

209,037 points

Jul 15, 2022 2:10 PM in response to eljuderino

Not sure if this helps, but take a look at the links below:

How to report …

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls

Short code text spam - Vodafone

https://forum.vodafone.co.uk/t5/Pay-monthly/Short-code-text-spam/td-p/2672741

Short codes Help Center - info

https://help.dialpad.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000367103-Short-Codes

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Answer 4

eljuderino Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 16, 2022 7:02 AM in response to Raicya

Thank you. I’ve reported it to my network by forwarding it to 7726 but it hasn’t helped unfortunately. I’ve been reporting this particular spammer for over a year.

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Answer 5

Raicya

Level 10

209,037 points

Jul 18, 2022 8:07 AM in response to eljuderino

See if this can mean anything -> What is TPS -> https://www.tpsonline.org.uk

You won't notice right away, but you will after a while.

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How can I block texts from a contact using a "shortcode" name?

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