Apple outlines iMessage spam reporting in new support document

Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
A new support document recently added to Apple's website shows users how to deal with unwanted messages, also known as spam, sent via the company's iCloud-based iMessage service.

iMessage Spam
Apple notes the spam reporting tool should be used for iMessages only (left),
not SMS or MMS messages (right).


The page, which was most recently updated on Tuesday, walks users through a step-by-step method of spam reporting and includes an email address Apple created especially to deal with the issue.

From the document:
To report unwanted iMessage messages to Apple, please send an email with the following details to: [email protected]

1. Include a screenshot of the message you have received.
2. Include the full email address or phone number you received the unwanted message from.
3. Include the date and time that you received the message.
The document goes on to give detailed instructions on how to take and access screenshots on both iOS and OS X devices.

Apple points out that the new reporting method should only be used for iMessage spam. Unwanted messages sent by SMS and MMS need to be reported to cellular providers.

Distinguishing an iMessage can be difficult as the service seamlessly ties together iMessage, SMS, MMS, and in the case of OS X, instant messages in a single conversation string. To help aid users discern each type of message, Apple provides screenshots that point to visual cues, like the blue iMessage color scheme versus green for SMS and MMS.

While spam is not as rampant on iMessage as it is on email or even SMS, some users have been affected by a continuous barrage of unwanted correspondence. With the new reporting tool, and a feature in the next-generation iOS 7 that lets users block messages from certain contacts, it appears Apple is taking a proactive approach to keep its iMessage service spam free.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    philboogiephilboogie Posts: 7,675member
    Wow. Even though it's not their fault, I command Apple for taking action. I've been lucky it seems; never get spam in any of my inboxes.
  • Reply 2 of 8


    Once again Apple does something to "Delight the customer."

  • Reply 3 of 8
    I love the block feature on ios 7 really handy
  • Reply 4 of 8
    airbubbleairbubble Posts: 105member
    This is great, even though I've never had the problem!
    I wonder if the'll do a similar thing for phone call? Which would warn your operator
    of the unwanted call.
  • Reply 5 of 8
    richlrichl Posts: 2,213member


    Thankfully, I've never had a problem with this. Glad Apple is taking action before it's a problem though!

  • Reply 6 of 8
    That's a nice move by Apple. Personally, this is kinda old fashioned and no one know how to take screenshot even newbies. There should be a button somewhere "Report spam to Apple" - maybe beside "Add to Contact" that will automatically send the info to Apple like screenshot, timestamp, informaiton, etc.

    This is 2013, not 1990's ;)
  • Reply 7 of 8
    tallest skiltallest skil Posts: 43,388member
    [quote name="AppleInsider" url="/t/158796/apple-outlines-imessage-spam-reporting-in-new-support-document#post_2371190"]Apple points out that the new reporting method should only be used for iMessage spam. Unwanted messages sent by SMS and MMS need to be reported to cellular providers. [/QUOTE]

    Well, instead of sending an e-mail on one's own, then, why not have a button somewhere in the UI that does the same thing but disappears if it's currently on SMS?
  • Reply 8 of 8
    bdkennedy1bdkennedy1 Posts: 1,459member


    Who's going to want to jump through all of those hoops when they can just delete it? Put a flag button on there like Craigslist does. If enough people flag it, Apple bans the text source.

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