Summary
Reporting SMS spam involves a multi-faceted approach: forwarding messages to 7726, reporting to the FTC and FCC, and exploring legal options under the TCPA for potential compensation, often ranging from $500 to $1500 per violation. If you determine who is sending the SPAM, you can send a TCPA demand letter, make sure you're on the federal do not call list for at least 30 days first. Users should also avoid replying to spam texts and can utilize mobile security software or device filtering options to minimize exposure. If the spam escalates to harassment or stalking, further legal action may be warranted.
Key findings
- Report to 7726: Forward SMS spam to 7726 to alert mobile carriers.
- Report to FTC/FCC: File complaints with the FTC and FCC to aid in spam pattern identification and law enforcement.
- TCPA Legal Action: Take legal action under the TCPA for potential compensation ($500-$1500 per violation); consult a lawyer.
- TCPA Demand Letter: A TCPA demand letter can be sent after working out who is sending the SPAM, may result in a payout.
Key considerations
- Avoid Replying: Do not reply to spam texts, as this confirms your number's validity.
- Block Numbers: Blocking spam numbers is a short-term solution as spammers often use different numbers.
- Use Security Software: Use mobile security software for automated spam detection and filtering.
- Check for App Rewards: Some apps and services offer rewards for reporting spam.
- Get lawyer for Letters: Use a lawyer to send TCPA letters for free; they take a percentage of the win
- Legal Recourse: If SMS spam turns into harassment, seek a restraining order or other legal remedies.
- Federal Do Not Call List: Ensure your mobile number is on the Federal do not call list for at least 30 days before sending a TCPA letter.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
Reporting SMS spam involves forwarding messages to 7726, reporting to the FTC, and potentially pursuing legal action under the TCPA. Compensation may be possible through TCPA lawsuits or rewards from certain apps. Avoid replying to spam texts. Consider using mobile security software to filter spam. If harassment is involved, seek legal recourse.
Key opinions
- Report to 7726: Forwarding spam texts to 7726 helps mobile carriers identify and block spammers.
- FTC Reporting: Reporting spam texts to the FTC assists in identifying and taking action against those engaged in illegal texting practices.
- TCPA Lawsuits: Violations of the TCPA may allow you to sue the sender for damages, with potential compensation ranging from $500 to $1500 per violation.
- TCPA Demand Letter: Send a TCPA demand letter after you have worked out who is sending the SPAM, could result in compensation.
- App Rewards: Some apps or services offer rewards or compensation for reporting spam texts.
Key considerations
- Do Not Reply: Avoid replying to spam texts, as this confirms your number is active and may lead to more spam.
- Legal Consultation: Consult with a lawyer specializing in TCPA cases to explore legal options.
- Mobile Security Software: Consider using mobile security software to automatically identify, block, and filter spam texts.
- Harassment or Stalking: If SMS spam constitutes harassment or stalking, seek a restraining order or other legal actions.
- Federal Do Not Call List: Ensure your mobile number is on the Federal do not call list for at least 30 days before sending a TCPA letter.
Marketer view
Email marketer from FTC.gov shares that you can report spam texts to the FTC. The FTC uses these reports to identify and take action against those engaged in illegal texting practices.
2 Mar 2024 - FTC.gov
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that after determining who is behind the SMS spam, you can send a TCPA demand letter for potential statutory fines. Your number needs to be on the Federal do not call list for at least 30 days. This works with real companies, not scammers.
22 Jun 2022 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
5 expert opinions
Reporting SMS spam effectively involves forwarding messages to 7726 to alert mobile carriers and reporting to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Legal action, especially under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), is a potential avenue for further recourse, necessitating consultation with a specialized lawyer.
Key opinions
- Forward to 7726: Forwarding SMS spam to 7726 is a standard method for reporting spam to mobile carriers.
- Provider Review: Reporting to your provider helps them improve spam filtering.
- FTC Reporting: Reporting to the FTC aids in identifying patterns and combating spammers.
- TCPA Legal Action: Violations of the TCPA offer the possibility of taking legal action against spammers.
Key considerations
- Legal Consultation: Consulting with a lawyer specializing in TCPA violations is essential when considering legal action.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that one of the most effective ways to report SMS spam is by forwarding the message to your mobile carrier. This is typically done by sending the message to the short code 7726 (SPAM).
7 Jul 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource shares that you can report SMS spam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects these reports and uses them to identify patterns and take action against spammers.
12 Oct 2024 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Reporting SMS spam involves filing complaints with the FCC, forwarding messages to 7726 to alert carriers, and exploring legal options under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) for potential compensation. Users of Apple devices can also filter messages from unknown senders.
Key findings
- FCC Complaint: Filing a complaint with the FCC can lead to investigations and action against TCPA violators.
- Forward to 7726: Forwarding SMS messages to 7726 helps wireless providers identify and block spammers.
- TCPA Legal Action: The TCPA provides consumers with the right to sue for SMS spam, potentially receiving damages of $500 to $1500 per message.
- Apple Filtering: Apple devices offer a feature to filter messages from unknown senders, reducing spam exposure.
Key considerations
Technical article
Documentation from the Telephone Consumer Protection Act explains consumers have the right to sue for SMS spam. Damages are typically $500 to $1500 per unsolicited message. This gives a route to compensation through legal action.
13 Dec 2022 - United States Congress
Technical article
Documentation from Apple support explains how to filter messages from unknown senders. Apple has implemented functionality within the Messages app to filter iMessages from senders who are not in your contacts list.
16 Nov 2022 - Apple Support
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