Simone Lawson
As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, voters are being inundated with a record number of unwanted political calls and texts. While campaign phone calls and text messages are exempt from the federal Do Not Call list, there are several ways to reduce the number of spam communications you receive.
How to get off political call lists
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Political campaign phone calls and texts are exempt from | National Do Not Call list |
| Political robocalls to landlines | Allowed without prior consent |
| Political robocalls to mobile phones | Require prior consent |
| Political robocalls to residential landline phones without prior consent | Limited to no more than three calls within any consecutive 30-day period |
| For calls and texts that require consent | The caller must honor the called party's request to revoke consent |
| To stop receiving political text messages | Reply "STOP" |
| To report the sender | Forward the texts to 7726 or "SPAM" |
| To file a complaint | Visit fcc.gov/complaints |
| To block political phone calls | Block the number |
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What You'll Learn
Report spam by texting 'STOP'
Political campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, so getting on the registry won't stop political spam. However, there are still ways to reduce the number of unwanted political text messages you receive. One simple way is to reply "STOP" to the text message. Campaigns should honor opt-out requests if you reply "STOP", and legitimate text campaign operators should remove you from their list.
If you are receiving texts that you didn't ask for, you can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 ("SPAM"). This number is dedicated to reporting spam text messages, and your carrier will look into it to see if the message was sent by a known spammer. You can also report the number as spam on your phone. On an iPhone or Android, you can open the Messages app, hold the message, and select "Block" or "Block number". If the sender isn't in your contacts and you haven't replied, you may also see a "Report Junk" option.
If you think you've received a political text that doesn't comply with the FCC's rules, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints. You can also file a complaint by mail. Your physical complaint should include your name, address, contact information, and as much detail about your complaint as possible. It can be sent to the following address:
> Federal Communications Commission Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
> 45 L Street NE Washington, DC 20554
Additionally, you can use a call-and-text-blocking app, like Should I Answer?, Hiya, and Truecaller. However, keep in mind that these apps will ask you for sensitive information.
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File an informal complaint with the FCC
If you're tired of receiving endless political calls, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Understanding the Process
Before you begin, it's important to know that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not have the authority to resolve every individual complaint. However, by submitting a detailed complaint, they can provide additional resources and guide you through possible next steps. The FCC will review your complaint and determine the appropriate course of action.
Step 2: Choosing the Method
You can file your informal complaint with the FCC in several ways. The quickest and most effective way is to file a complaint online at fcc.gov/complaints. Alternatively, you can call them at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) or make an ASL Video Call at 1-844-432-2275. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can send your complaint by mail to the following address:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
45 L Street NE
Washington, DC 20554
Step 3: Providing Necessary Information
Regardless of the method you choose, ensure you include your name, address, and contact information. It is crucial to provide as much detail about your complaint as possible. Describe the issue clearly and concisely, including relevant dates, times, and any specific rules you believe were violated.
Step 4: Tracking and Follow-up
Once you've filed your complaint, the FCC will provide you with a tracking number. You will also receive periodic emails updating you on the status of your complaint. If more information is required, an FCC consumer representative may contact you. When all the necessary information is gathered, the FCC will respond by providing relevant educational material or forwarding your complaint to the service provider. The provider is required to respond in writing within 30 days of receiving the complaint.
Remember, while political calls during election season can be frustrating, filing an informal complaint with the FCC is a straightforward process that can help address your concerns.
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Block the number
If you're tired of receiving unwanted political calls and text messages, there are several ways to block the numbers and protect yourself from spammers. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
For iPhone Users:
If you have an iPhone, go to "Settings" and then select "Messages". Toggle on the "Filter Unknown Senders" option. This will send all texts from unknown numbers to a separate tab, allowing you to view them separately from your regular messages. You can also choose to block specific numbers by navigating to the Messages app, selecting the conversation thread, and following the steps to block the sender. Keep in mind that iPhone doesn't allow blocking texts from unknown numbers directly, but filtering can help manage these messages effectively.
For Android Users:
For Android devices, the process is more straightforward. Open the Messages app and choose the text from the number you wish to block. From the following screen, tap the option to block the number. You will then be prompted to confirm your decision. Additionally, you can report the text as spam by selecting the appropriate option.
Call-Blocking Apps:
Another option is to use call-blocking apps like RoboKiller, Should I Answer?, Hiya, and Truecaller. These apps can help you manage and block unwanted calls and texts more efficiently. However, be aware that some of these apps may request sensitive information, so review their privacy policies before providing any personal details.
Responding "STOP":
If you're receiving text messages, a simple solution is to reply with the word "STOP". Legitimate campaigns have agreed to remove individuals from their calling or texting lists upon request. Additionally, you can try keywords like "STOPALL", "ENDALL", or "CANCEL" to opt out. However, if you suspect the number is from a scammer, it's better to block and report the number directly, as replying can indicate an active number.
By following these steps, you can effectively block unwanted political calls and texts, ensuring your privacy and peace of mind. Remember that your consent is essential, and you have the right to revoke it at any time.
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Filter messages from unknown numbers
If you're tired of receiving text messages from unknown numbers, there are several methods you can use to filter and block them. Here are some detailed steps to help you get started:
IPhone and iMessage:
- Filter Unknown Senders: Go to "Settings" > "Apps" > "Messages". Scroll down to "Message Filtering" and enable "Filter Unknown Senders". This will filter messages from unknown numbers into a separate folder, and you won't receive notifications for them.
- Block and Report: Open the Messages app and tap on the conversation from the unknown number. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner, then tap "Block and Report Junk". Tap "Delete and Report Junk". This will report the number as spam and block future messages.
- Third-Party Apps: Consider using third-party apps like Aura's Call Assistant, which can automatically screen calls, block phone scams, and filter spam text messages. However, be cautious of privacy risks when granting third-party apps access to your messages.
Android:
- Google Messages: Open the Messages app and tap on the relevant conversation. Tap the three-dot icon, then tap "Details". Tap "Block and report spam", then select "Report spam" and tap "OK".
- Samsung Messages: Open the Samsung Messages app and tap on the conversation. Tap "Block number", then check "Delete conversation" and tap "Block".
- Spam Protection: Open the Messages app and tap on your profile icon. Go to "Messages Settings", scroll down, and tap "Spam protection". Turn on the "Enable spam protection" toggle to automatically filter and sort spam messages.
Other Messaging Platforms:
- WhatsApp: While WhatsApp doesn't offer a way to filter messages from unknown senders, you can silence unknown callers and block specific numbers. Open WhatsApp, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, and enable the "Silence unknown callers" feature.
- Telegram: Telegram allows you to hide your phone number and restrict who can add you to groups, limiting messages from unknown numbers.
- Viber: Open Viber and tap "More" in the bottom-right corner. You can also use third-party spam-blocking apps like Nomorobo or RoboKiller.
Additional Tips:
- Report Spam: In addition to blocking, report spam messages to your service provider. In the US, you can do this by copying the message and texting it to 7726.
- Do Not Call Registry: If you live in the US, add your phone number to the national Do Not Call Registry maintained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This will reduce marketing calls and texts from legitimate companies.
- Carrier Services: Many cell phone carriers offer spam-blocking apps or features. For example, AT&T's Call Protect app sends calls from unknown numbers to voicemail, while Verizon's Call Filter offers basic spam-blocking.
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Be wary of scams
During election seasons, scammers take advantage of the increase in political calls and texts to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. These scams often take the form of political robocalls and automated political text messages. They try to inspire panic or anxiety and usually cite consequences. They may also ask for your credit card number, Social Security number, or other personal information.
Scammers can easily impersonate campaigns, non-profits, government agencies, or other groups. They may pose as political volunteers seeking campaign donations or ask for your Social Security number to register you to vote. Remember, you cannot vote or register to vote by phone in the US.
Scammers also use analytics to target areas with a high concentration of older adults, such as Florida. They also target areas with politically passionate populations, such as the Deep South, Washington, D.C., Michigan, and Texas.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, familiarize yourself with legitimate political robocalls and texts. These are usually informative, such as letting you know that you should have received a ballot for an upcoming election. Legitimate political texts will also stop if you reply "STOP." If you think you've received a scam political call or text, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints.
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Frequently asked questions
Political campaign phone calls and texts are exempt from the Do Not Call list. However, if you want to stop receiving them, you can reply with the word "STOP". You can also block the number or, depending on your phone settings, filter messages from unknown numbers.
If you are still receiving unwanted political texts or calls, you can report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 or "SPAM". You can also file a complaint with the FCC.
Your number may be obtained from your voter records. When you register to vote, your voter file becomes a public record, and campaigns can access your phone number from there.
