My phone number reported as spam

I went through this also. Contact your cell provider and get a second phone number added to your phone. With this second line you can text again (although you'll need to tell people you have a new number). Then, continue to submit requests to Apple to get your number unblocked. For me, it took me 3 months.

Apple is seriously stepping up and taking spam more seriously. It appears Apple's push to make Messages spam-free is going through some growing pains.

This isn’t Apple doing anything to you. Apple isn’t reporting your number, other users are. It is quite possible your number has been/is being spoofed and consequently gets reported as spam. Its unfortunate, but yes, your best bet could be simply getting a new number.

Someone spoofed your phone number and used it to scam others.

Many years ago, it happened to me when the local police knocked on my door telling me that they received a call from my number.

I closed that account with Verizon back then.

I suggest changing your number A.S.A.P.

Good Luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

Trust me, you don’t want the police knocking on your door.

Be sure to communicate this with Verizon when you have them change your number.

Smiliñ 😎 Brian

Appeal to whom? The criminals that have done this to you? 🤷