How Do You Report Spam Text?

In recent years, telemarketers have become increasingly persistent, developing new ways of using technology to target consumers. You’ve probably noticed an increase in robocalls, spam texts, and even calls from numbers that “spoof” their location, perhaps making them appear local to you, and at the very least disguising their identity, all to make the consumer more likely to pick up.

At this point, most people have grown weary of unrelenting telemarketers. If you want to report spam texts or calls, there are a number of ways you can go about it.

How Do You Report Spam Text?

You may be able to simply ask the caller to take you off their list. If it’s a  company that’s spamming you because you’ve previously shopped with them, they will in many cases abide by the rules and stop calling once you ask them to do so.

In other cases, a call may be obviously spam, and in these instances, don’t engage. Engaging with clear scam communications only encourages them to keep reaching out.

If your issue is from one main caller, trying blocking and reporting the specific number. Some phone companies offer methods of reporting spam calls for free, though these systems are not yet widespread, and are also not completely effective. However, the more they’re used, the more effective the spam-blocking features will become.

One well-known method to report spam text is adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry. However, many people find that robocalls and other spam communication continues even after adding their name to the registry.

You may also choose to report spam text or robocalls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

In 2017, the FTC received more than 375,000 robocall and spam text complaints per month, TheVerge.com reports.

If you want to report spam text or phone calls, filing a TCPA lawsuit may be an effective option for you.

What is the TCPA?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was first introduced in 1991 as a method of fighting back against unwanted telemarketing—that is, solicitation using phones. In the years since the TCPA’s introduction, technology has shifted substantially, and the TCPA has expanded to include technologies from robocalls to text spam.

The TCPA limits a slew of telemarketing practices from pre-recorded messages, robocalls, auto-dialers, text messages, and fax machines.

Have Companies Faced TCPA Lawsuits?

Several companies have faced TCPA lawsuits and class action lawsuits over allegations of robocalls or spam texts. More recently, Nevada resident Daniel Z. filed a lawsuit against Citibank for alleged TCPA violations.

According to Daniel, he started to receive text messages from the bank in July 2018. The texts were allegedly sent to Daniel’s cell phone from a short code number despite him reportedly not being associated with the account in question. Although Daniel reportedly texted “STOP” as he was directed in order to opt out, he allegedly continued to receive text messages from the bank.

In March 2019, Daniel allegedly restricted consent explicitly when he opened an account with Citibank. Despite this explicit restriction of consent, Citibank allegedly sent Daniel numerous text messages to alert him of transactions that were $101 or greater.

“Additionally, after enrollment Citi immediately resumed its unlawful practice of sending Plaintiff text messages related to the Unidentified Account, sending Plaintiff approximately 1 and 9 messages per day,” the Citibank lawsuit claims.

Daniel seeks $500 in statutory damages and $1,500 in treble damages for each text message allegedly sent to him in violation of TCPA. His Citibank TCPA lawsuit also seeks actual damages and punitive damages under Nevada common law.

This is reportedly not the first time that Citibank has faced TCPA allegations. Earlier this year, a couple from California filed a TCPA lawsuit alleging that they had received 3,000 spam text messages from the bank without their consent.

Can I File a Spam Text Lawsuit?

If you, like so many, have been targeted with spam texts or phone calls, you may be able to file a TCPA lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Filing a lawsuit can be an effective way to help enforce TCPA laws and to fight back against the ever-rising number of spam calls and texts consumers receive. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover financial compensation, as well as hold those responsible for breaking TCPA regulations accountable for their actions.

Join a Free TCPA Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you were contacted on your cell phone by a company via an unsolicited text message (text spam) or prerecorded voice message (robocall), you may be eligible for compensation under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.