iMessage access revoked, falsely identified as a spammer

Question

Level 1

23 points

iMessage access revoked, falsely identified as a spammer

On 7/31/25 Apple revoked my access to their iMessage service, without notice, rhyme nor reason . After having no less than five Apple Support "chats" using the Apple support app, and via other links they sent me during the messaging conversations, and a person-to-person phone call with a Senior Special Advisor from Apple, to resolve this directly with Apple; they stated they will not unblock my phone number in regards to stating it is not a spam number. So someone out there evidently has been using my phone number unbeknownst to me to perform their spam voodoo, to the point that Apple is convinced that I am a spamming maniac. I have had the same phone number for about just 20 years, no problems till now. So I believe that someone been using my phone number to produce a lot of spam messaging to the point that they have really annoyed Apple the point that Apple is taking it out on me. They do not share any details, thus I have no info if they performed even a basic meaningful investigation to elucidate whether or not, it was really me. But I the isolated, lonely user has become both a victim and labeled as a loathful "Spammerist." Just great, just freaking great.

Also, do see the prior community post, which Apple had conveniently closed,

Apple blocked imessage, accused of spam! … - Apple Community

iPhone XS Max, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 23, 2025 06:39 PM

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Answer 1

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

53,396 points

Aug 23, 2025 07:09 PM in response to Screatum

The post you referenced is over 2 years old. You should expect a post to be closed after that length of time without any further communication from the OP. It would make no sense to post a comment on a 2 year old post as your concern would most likely not draw the attention of anyone, which is the reason why you were instructed to post one of your own like you did.

Your account has been reported as Spam by too many other people. It takes more than one person to report your account as Spam before it is removed, as we also see posts from users wanting to know why nothing happens after reporting a message as Spam. Apple certainly is not going to tell you who reported your messages as Spam.

Not only can an iMessage be sent from a phone number, it can also be sent from the Apple Account email address. If you share your Apple Account with anyone else, then they may have been sending Spam that was reported to Apple. You cannot have 2 devices that use the same phone number, but it certainly is possible to have 2 devices that use the same Apple Account. You can check if another device is logged into your Apple Account by going to Settings > [name on top], and scroll to the bottom to view the list of devices.

From previous posts, users usually get a warning by Apple first and if it happens again, then it will be blocked permanently. I have no details about your case and any decision made by Apple is up to them. It may be the case that you no longer use the email address that is linked to your Apple Account and did not see any previous email.

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Answer 2

Screatum Author

Level 1

23 points

Aug 23, 2025 09:02 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

You nailed it. But, what proof do you have and can make accessible to us, that my current situation and the prior individuals' situations (as noted within the referenced reference) is not still occurring to others. Thus, me starting my own new conversation on this issue, is an attempt to open a forum amongst the community to identify if this really is still an ongoing issue. I was not replying to a closed conversation, as it's simply not possible to do so, as Apple made it that way. Apple controls what I can reply to or not reply to by inactivating the reply-to buttons, as they did in the referenced prior closed conversation.

I have created my own conversation, and I thank you for participating. But, by analogy, is it wrong to reference or to merely comment on the US Constitution; heck, Amendments to it have been made years after it was signed, and people commenting about the Constitution (the Amendments too) still goes on these days I believe.

Or for that matter, referencing anything that is pertinent to a topic during conversations is more than generally acceptable. I think the use of references, footnotes and such, is even encouraged by most.

Overall this policy of Apple just canceling people, from using iMessage that is, by essentially arbitrarily labeling them as spammers, without providing accessible evidentiary proof (thus actually hearsay) is essentially the bullying of individuals who are more likely victims, and less likely perpetrators in this situation.

This process of Apple has been going on for more than a few years and people should still be made aware that corporate level decisions likely being made by the use of an algorithm, affect individuals. Leaving them without reasonable recourse to defend themselves against the corporation's claim, or affirmation of an anonymous claim by others being blindly affirmed by the corporation. So what's a ye all? ~Bob

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Answer 3

Screatum Author

Level 1

23 points

Aug 23, 2025 09:16 PM in response to Screatum

Hmmm, you state "Your account has been reported as Spam by too many other people."

Do please provide me with the evidence, documented evidence, of: how many people, how many times each individual person made such a claim, with the dates and times, etc. that these "people" reported me as spamming. I'm quite interested in how you got this information, but the Apple Special Support Advisors at Apple did not have this information to share with me. Thank you. ~Bob

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Answer 4

Aug 23, 2025 09:39 PM in response to Screatum

Thank you for replying with your concerns, Screatum. 😉

Here at the Apple Support Community, we are volunteers (thoughtful Apple users) who share knowledge in an effort to help others, such as yourself.

We don’t have the power to look into accounts, make changes or share confidential matters.

Only an authorized Apple employee would have access to the resources to help you.

I wish you the best, but you must contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

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Answer 5

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

53,396 points

Aug 23, 2025 10:52 PM in response to Screatum

" I was not replying to a closed conversation, as it's simply not possible to do so, as Apple made it that way. Apple controls what I can reply to or not reply to by inactivating the reply-to buttons, as they did in the referenced prior closed conversation."

There is no problem referencing a prior post, you seemed to be concerned that it was closed as Apple was not allowing any replies. It should be pretty clear why you would not reply to a 2 year post that is no longer active, and you saw the message to create your own post, which is the proper thing to do. All posts are closed after a period of inactivity and when the OP is no longer involved.

Thus, me starting my own new conversation on this issue, is an attempt to open a forum amongst the community to identify if this really is still an ongoing issue.

I would expect accounts to be closed all the time for a violation of the Terms of Use. Every website and account you sign up for has a Terms of Use that you agree to follow. Even this website has one and you certainly would not want to be posting a Petition or Poll as that would be a violation under B4.

Apple Support Communities Use Agreement - Apple Community

What you did not answer is if you still have access to your email address that Apple uses for communication. In most cases that will be used first to warn you and if not stopped within 30 days the account would be deleted permanently. If you had not updated your email address to allow this communication, I could see where you would have no idea. They do not have to provide prior notice as seen in the Terms of Use for your Apple Account, but I have seen posts here where they were given that notice.

Legal - iCloud Terms & Conditions - Apple

Specifically for iMessage, the requirement is: " iMessage is intended for communicating with family and friends, and is not for conducting commercial activities or disseminating unwanted messages. iMessage misuse may result in service limitations."

Legal - Messages & Privacy- Apple

I have ZERO information about your account as your post is on a Support Forum made up of users just like you who have no access to your account, so if you are looking for those details from me, it is not going to happen. You seem to think that your phone number is being used to fraudulently send messages and if that was the case, your cell provider would have the date, time, and number of the messages. I have seen no where that Apple must prove fraud has occurred. If you want to send feedback to Apple, you can do that here:

Product Feedback - Apple

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