Stop Political Text Messages: Opt-Out Strategies

Political text messages can be extremely invasive, especially during election season. While political campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, there are still ways to opt out of receiving these unwanted messages. If you are unsure why you are receiving political text messages, you may have inadvertently opted in at some point, perhaps by agreeing to share your phone number with a company that shares data with third parties.

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Report spam texts by forwarding them to 7726

Political campaign phone calls and texts are generally exempt from the Do Not Call list. However, if you are tired of receiving spam political text messages, you can report them by forwarding them to 7726 (which spells out "SPAM" on an alphanumeric phone keypad). This free service is available to mobile customers in the UK, the US, and Canada. When you forward a spam text to this number, it alerts your mobile provider to investigate the number and potentially block it.

In addition to reporting spam texts, you can also opt out of receiving them. Legitimate political text campaign operators should remove you from their list if you reply with "STOP". You can also block the number and filter out text messages from unknown senders in your phone settings. However, this may cause you to miss text reminders from senders who are not in your contact list.

It is important to note that political campaigns are required to follow certain FCC restrictions when sending text messages. For example, they must have your prior consent to send text messages, unless they are manually sent by a real person. If you receive a political text message that you believe violates FCC rules, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC.

Block the number

If you're tired of receiving political text messages, you can block the number on your phone. Here's how to do it:

Blocking a phone number is a straightforward process on both iPhone and Android devices. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Locate the Message Thread: Open the messaging app on your phone and find the conversation thread with the number you want to block.
• Access the Contact Options: Tap on the specific text from the number you wish to block. This will open the message thread. From there, you can access the contact options.
• Block the Number: Depending on your device, you'll see an option to block the number. On iPhones, for example, you can tap the contact's name at the top of the screen and then scroll down to find the "Block this Caller" option. On Android, you may need to tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and then select "Block number" or a similar option.
• Confirm the Blocking: After selecting the block option, your device may ask for confirmation. Click "Block" or "OK" to confirm that you want to block the number.
• Report as Spam (Optional): In some cases, you may also have the option to report the number as spam during the blocking process. This step is usually optional, but it can help identify and prevent spam messages from reaching others.

By following these steps, you can effectively block the number and prevent further text messages from that specific sender. This can be a quick and efficient way to reduce the number of unwanted political text messages you receive. Remember that blocking a number will only stop messages from that specific sender, and you may need to repeat this process for other numbers as needed.

Filter out unknown senders

If you're tired of receiving political text messages from unknown senders, you can filter them out on your iPhone or Android phone. Here's how:

For iPhone users:

• Go to your phone's Settings.
• Tap on "Messages".
• Scroll down and select "Filter Unknown Senders".
• Toggle the setting on.

For Android users:

• Open the Messages app.
• Navigate to the text from the number you want to block.
• Tap the option to block the number.
• Choose whether to report the text as spam (optional).
• Click "OK" to block the number.

Additionally, you can use a call-and-text-blocking app, such as Should I Answer?, Hiya, or Truecaller. However, keep in mind that these apps may ask for sensitive information.

While filtering unknown senders can help manage the influx of unwanted political messages, it's important to note that this method doesn't entirely block them. You may still receive these messages, but they will be separated from your main inbox, giving you the option to ignore them.

If you wish to completely stop receiving political text messages, you can try replying with "STOP", "ENDALL", or "CANCEL". By law, legitimate political campaigns should honor these opt-out requests. You can also report spam messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) or filing a complaint with the FCC.

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Reply with 'STOP', 'ENDALL', or 'CANCEL'

If you're tired of receiving political text messages, you can opt out by replying with the word "STOP," "ENDALL," or "CANCEL." These keywords are recognized by texting software used by political organizations, and they should automatically remove you from their contact list. It is important to note that political campaigns are not required to comply with the Do Not Call Registry, but they should have your permission before contacting you.

In addition to replying with these keywords, you can also block the number sending you the messages. On your phone, go to the "Messages" settings and filter out text messages from anyone not in your contact list. This will help reduce the clutter in your inbox, but it may also cause you to miss important text reminders from unknown numbers, such as those for doctor's appointments or restaurant reservations.

If you suspect that the messages are scams, you can take additional steps. First, never click on any links in the text messages, as these may contain malware or direct you to fraudulent websites. Instead, forward the messages to 7726 ("SPAM") to report them. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if you continue to receive unwanted messages.

By following these steps, you can effectively reduce the number of political text messages you receive and protect yourself from potential scams.

File a complaint with the FCC

If you're tired of receiving political text messages, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Understand the Rules

Before filing a complaint, it's important to understand the rules that political campaigns must follow regarding text messages. According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), political campaigns generally need your prior express consent to send text messages to your mobile phone using an autodialer or prerecorded voice messages. However, manually sent messages can be sent without prior consent.

Step 2: Determine if Rules Are Being Broken

Before filing a complaint, ensure that the political text messages you're receiving violate the FCC's rules. If you're getting messages without giving your prior consent, or if you've revoked your consent and are still receiving messages, then the rules may be broken.

Step 3: Collect Information

When filing a complaint, it's important to provide as much detail as possible. Collect all the relevant information, including the dates and times you received the unwanted text messages, the content of the messages, and any actions you took to revoke your consent (such as replying "STOP").

Step 4: File the Complaint

You can file a complaint with the FCC in several ways:

• Online: Go to fcc.gov/complaints to file a complaint online. This is the quickest and most effective method.
• Phone: Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) to file a complaint over the phone.
• Mail: Send a letter to the following address, including your name, address, contact information, and details about your complaint:

Federal Communications Commission

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

45 L Street NE

Washington, DC 20554

ASL Video Call: You can also file a complaint using an ASL video call by dialling 1-844-432-2275.

Remember, the FCC is committed to protecting consumers from unwanted text messages. By filing a complaint, you're contributing to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts.

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