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Spam Text Overview
As text messaging has become more affordable for recipients and more widespread as a form of communication, many companies have turned to text messaging to achieve their marketing goals.
However, this has also come with a slew of complaints from consumers all over the country who argue that they have been the recipient of a spam text message. A spam text message can be intrusive and even costly especially for those who claim that they never opted into receiving these text messages in the first place.
One of the most important things to remember about receiving a spam text is that it might be illegal. It is illegal for people to send unsolicited messages to wireless devices unless the sender has received the recipient’s permission first.
It is illegal for someone to send unsolicited text messages using a piece of equipment known as an auto dialer which very quickly stores and dials telephone numbers using a sequential or random generator. Non-commercial messages and transactional messages are excluded from the rules over spam text.
Telecommunications Service
Some consumer advocates have argued that text messaging should be classified as a telecommunications service. Currently, according to Zipwhip.com, phone calls are classified by the FCC as a telecommunication service, which means that carriers have a limited ability to block automated robocalls and malicious phone calls, which explains why some robocalls are so persistent today.
Since texting has not been classified as a telecommunications service, many people are looking for options to block this behavior on their own. The government has received increasing complaints about the fact that texts can be treated differently than calls, even though the text messages might also be unwanted and frustrating.
Automated Monitoring Systems
In response to the growing numbers of people arguing that they have become the victim of spam text messages, automated monitoring systems have popped up to flag suspicious content and sending it first to an analysis team for potential fraud review.
In the event that any form of fraud or spam is identified, this automated monitoring services, that consumers can enroll in, can block texts before it comes to them.
Stop Responses
One method for consumers who have received massive amounts of spam text messages or who are being annoyed by content sent by text they did not request is to reply in all capital letters STOP. A company should automatically discontinue their use of text messages when receiving a STOP response. However, some consumers allege that companies using an auto dialer might attempt to skirt this and land on the same recipient’s number again.
SMS Spam
Rapidly changing technology has made it easier for companies to engage in SMS or text message spam. While it is still less common than email spam, Tech Target estimates that SMS spam accounts for around 1 percent of texts sent in the United States and many of these are illegal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act since 2004.
12 thoughts onWhat Is Spam Text?
I’m receiving text messages and calls to purchase extended warranty on my 2004 Ford expedition. If I answer I say OH yes I’m definitely interested because my vehicle is a 2004, then they hang up! Please add me
Look at “Robo Calls for Cash” on line. It tells you how and shows proof that you can sue these people for $500 per call. You will need to purchase a “Directions Publication” from Doc Compton telling you how to proceed, but it isnt a scam. It really works. I have used it and have successfully sued one of the Auto Warranty Insurance companies and am currently working on the second company.
Add me. I’m fixing to have to change my phone number.
Add me! I frequently get messages stating I have won a gift card and I need to claim it.
I’m receiving text messages and calls to purchase extended warranty in a vehicle I do not own…. Please add me
I’m receiving text messages and calls to purchase extended warranty in a vehicle I do not own…. Please add me
add me
I use text messaging for communication with my family. I am so annoyed by all the spam texts about things I have no interest in and did not request.
Add me. Thanks.
I get robocalls for car warranties, when they couldn’t get me the text spam started and I replied with STOP , it didn’t work, today I have a piece of mail in my hand from them as well !! how do you start a class action ? maybe this needs to happen to stop these people, they called my mother whose 78 yro and never drove a day in her life !
This happens to me all of the time! I get random texts saying it’s amazon tracking or something then it’s a link to a survey or something else and I reply stop and they keep coming! Or others about CBD and many other things, it’s crazy! This is real and I try the STOP and it doesn’t work!