Omar Bennett
Political campaign text messages are a common occurrence, especially during election season. While they are exempt from the Do Not Call list, there are ways to reduce the number of unwanted messages you receive. One way is to reply STOP to the message, which is an opt-out function that campaigns are asked to honor. You can also block the number and filter out messages from unknown senders in your phone settings. Additionally, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if you feel that your requests to revoke consent are not being honored.
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What You'll Learn
Replying 'STOP'
Replying STOP to unwanted campaign texts is one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of political messages you receive. While it may not stop them altogether, it is a simple and direct way to opt out and revoke your consent. Political campaigns are required to obtain your consent before sending automated messages, and they must respect your opt-out requests when you reply with "STOP," as outlined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Replying STOP works if the sender is a legitimate business or organization because they must comply with the law. The FCC can fine them if they don't stop harassing you after you've opted out.
However, it's important to note that political campaign texts are exempt from the Do Not Call list, which means you may still receive some messages even after replying STOP. Additionally, replying to spam texts can sometimes result in receiving even more messages, as it confirms to the sender that your number is active. If you suspect the number is from a scammer, it is better to block and report the number instead of replying STOP.
To completely avoid unwanted campaign texts, you can be cautious about giving out your information. Consider using burner email addresses and think twice before providing your phone number. Additionally, you can use call-blocking services or apps, such as Robokiller, NoMoRobo, or YouMail, which can help filter out spam messages and calls. These apps typically require a subscription, but they can provide a more peaceful phone experience.
It's also important to be vigilant about the content of the texts you receive. Never click on links in messages unless you are sure they are from a trusted source, as many scam texts contain malware or direct you to fake sites. Be cautious of texts with misspellings, poor grammar, or those calling you by the wrong name. If a message asks for personal details or urges you to take immediate action, it is likely a scam. Always trust your instincts and take the necessary steps to protect your privacy and security.
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Blocking the number
If you're tired of receiving endless campaign texts, you can take several steps to block the numbers and reduce the clutter in your text inbox. Here's what you can do:
Reply with "STOP"
Replying with "STOP" to the sender is a simple and effective way to opt out of receiving further messages. While it may not stop all political texts, it's a good starting point and is required to be honoured by the FCC. You can also manually block the number after replying "STOP" to ensure no further messages get through.
Filter Unknown Senders
You can adjust your phone settings to filter out text messages from unknown senders or anyone not in your contact list. This approach will help reduce the number of campaign texts you receive, but it may also block desired messages, such as appointment reminders or reservation notifications.
Donate Directly
If you're interested in supporting a particular candidate, consider donating directly through their official website. This action can help slow down the number of texts you receive from that specific campaign. It's a way to show your support while also reducing unwanted communication.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Although political campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry, registering your number can still be beneficial. It expresses your preference for privacy and may help reduce unwanted calls and texts from other types of organisations.
File a Complaint
If you continue to receive a high volume of unwanted political texts, you can take it a step further and file a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). They provide an avenue for you to report excessive or harassing communication and can be reached at fcc.gov/complaints.
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Filtering messages from unknown senders
If you're tired of receiving endless spam texts from political campaigns, there are several steps you can take to filter messages from unknown senders. Here's a detailed guide to help you regain control of your inbox:
- IPhone Users: Go to "Settings > Apps > Messages". Scroll down to "Message Filtering" and turn on "Filter Unknown Senders". This feature filters messages from unknown contacts into a separate folder, and you won't receive notifications for them. You can always check this folder by tapping "Filters" in the top-left corner of the conversation list and then selecting "Unknown Senders". Note that you won't be able to open any links in messages from unknown senders until you add them to your contacts or reply to the message.
- Android Users: Open Google's Messages app and tap the profile icon in the upper right corner. Select "Messages Settings > Spam Protection" and turn on the "Enable Spam Protection" switch. This will alert you if an incoming message is suspected to be spam.
- Carrier-Provided Tools: Major mobile carriers also provide their own filtering and blocking tools, which are mostly geared towards spam phone calls but can also be effective against spam text messages. Contact your carrier to explore the specific options available to you.
- Third-Party Apps: There are several third-party apps available for iOS and Android devices that can help filter out spam messages. For instance, SpamHound is a free iOS app that works alongside Apple's Messages app to filter SMS spam based on keywords. SMS Spam Stopper, available for iOS, uses artificial intelligence to detect spam messages by comparing them to a database of known spam messages. RoboKiller, designed for both iOS and Android, analyzes phone numbers, message content, and attachments to identify and block spam.
While these measures won't completely stop all unwanted messages, they will significantly reduce the number of spam texts you receive from unknown senders, giving you back some peace and quiet.
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Donating directly to the candidate's website
If you're tired of receiving endless campaign texts from candidates and causes you didn't even know had your phone number, asking for your vote or, more often, your money, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the clutter in your text inbox. Firstly, replying "STOP" to every message will, over time, reduce the number of texts you receive, although it's unlikely to stop them altogether. You can also block the number and update your registration to remove your phone number.
However, if you want to donate, it's best to go directly to the candidate's official website. This way, you can avoid scams and ensure your money goes to the right place. Federal Election Commission (FEC) websites are secure and use HTTPS, so you can safely share sensitive information. These websites will have a lock symbol or "https://", indicating a safe connection.
FEC websites also provide information on contribution limits and prohibitions. For example, federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals, and individuals can only donate within certain limits. Minors can also make contributions, but their donations must be made voluntarily and with their own funds. Additionally, if you want to support a candidate, you can pay for public communications, such as newspaper or magazine advertisements, to promote them.
By donating directly to the candidate's website and being discerning about sharing your information, you can effectively support the candidates of your choice while reducing unwanted campaign texts.
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Reporting texts that break FCC rules
Political campaign phone calls and texts are generally exempt from the Do Not Call list. However, campaigns are required to follow other rules for how they can contact you. For instance, campaigns are not allowed to use auto-dialed or pre-recorded calls to contact your cellphone or other mobile device without your consent. This also applies to political texts sent through robo-dialers, which require your consent. On the other hand, manually typed messages can be sent without prior consent.
If you are receiving unwanted texts, do not respond to the messages, especially if they are from questionable sources. Instead, report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 ("SPAM") on your mobile device. You can also contact your mobile service provider to check if they offer additional blocking options.
If you think you've received a political robocall or text that does not comply with the FCC's rules, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC. This can be done online at fcc.gov/complaints or by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC. You can also send a physical letter to the following address:
> Federal Communications Commission
> Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
> 45 L Street NE
> Washington, DC 20554
Be sure to include your name, address, contact information, and as many details about your complaint as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
You can reduce the number of campaign texts by replying 'STOP' or revoking consent. You can also block the number, or go to your phone settings and filter out messages from unknown senders.
Yes, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) contains specific rules that campaigns must follow. Campaigns are required to obtain prior consent from the recipient before sending campaign texts.
If a campaign text does not comply with the 'STOP' request, you can forward the text to 7726 ("SPAM") or file an informal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
You can register your phone number with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Do Not Call registry. While political campaigns are exempt from this list, registering may help reduce the number of unwanted texts you receive.
If you are interested in supporting a candidate, consider donating directly through their official website. This may help slow down the number of texts you receive from that campaign.
