Stop Political Spam Texts: Reclaim Your Phone's Peace

Political spam texts are a common nuisance, especially during election season, with millions of political robotexts being sent out. While there is no comprehensive solution, there are several methods to reduce the number of unwanted political messages you receive. Firstly, you can opt out of receiving messages by replying STOP to the sender. Secondly, you can report unsolicited messages by forwarding them to 7726 or SPAM, and you can also file an informal complaint with the FCC. Additionally, you can block unknown senders through your phone settings or use a third-party app to filter messages.

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Report spam texts by forwarding them to 7726

If you're tired of receiving political spam texts, you can take action by reporting them to your cellular or wireless provider. Forwarding these unwanted messages to 7726 (which spells out "SPAM" on most phones) is a simple and effective way to address the issue. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

For iOS devices:

• Tap the message to open the conversation view, being careful not to click on any links within the message.
• From the conversation view, press and hold the specific message you want to forward.
• From the menu prompt, select "Forward" or look for an arrow icon, which will direct you to a new message draft.
• Enter 7726 in the "To:" field and press "Send."

For Android devices:

• Tap the message to open the conversation view, ensuring you don't click on any links within it.
• From the conversation view, press and hold the message you wish to forward.
• A menu prompt will appear; select "Forward" or look for an arrow icon, which will create a new message draft.
• Alternatively, you can select "More" to present a checklist of messages to forward.
• Enter 7726 in the "To:" field and press "Send."

By reporting spam texts in this manner, you alert your cellular provider to investigate the content of the message. This process helps identify new types of "smishing" (a combination of "SMS" and "phishing") and enables the blocking of such messages for all users. It's a shared responsibility to maintain cybersecurity, and taking the time to report these messages contributes to a safer online environment for everyone.

It's important to note that this method works for legitimate text campaigns, but scammers can be more challenging to stop. Nonetheless, it's a crucial step to take to reduce unwanted political spam texts and protect yourself and others from potentially harmful content.

Opt out of receiving texts by replying STOP

If you are tired of receiving political spam texts, you can opt out by replying "STOP". This is a simple and effective way to stop unwanted text messages from legitimate text campaign operators. However, it is important to note that this method only works for legitimate campaigns and organizations that follow FCC restrictions. Scammers and fraudulent sources may not honor your request to opt out. In fact, replying "STOP" to suspicious or unknown numbers can sometimes have the opposite effect, leading to an increase in unwanted messages or even the selling of your phone number to other spammers.

According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), legitimate businesses must obtain your consent to communicate with you via text messaging and allow you to opt out by directly replying to a text. Political campaigns are required to obtain your prior express consent before sending autodialed or prerecorded text messages to your mobile phone. If you did not provide consent, you can request to revoke it at any time by replying "STOP".

If you are unsure whether the sender is legitimate or not, it is recommended to avoid replying "STOP". Instead, you can take other actions to block the sender and report spam. Forwarding the text to 7726 (or "SPAM") is a widely recognized method for reporting spam and blocking unwanted messages. Additionally, you can adjust your phone settings to filter out unknown senders or utilize mobile security apps, such as Norton 360 Deluxe, to protect your device from spam and potential threats.

While replying "STOP" can be an effective way to opt out of receiving legitimate political text messages, it is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with unknown or suspicious senders. By combining smart digital hygiene practices with reliable mobile security measures, you can better manage spam text messages and protect your personal information.

File an informal complaint with the FCC

If you're tired of receiving endless political spam texts, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Understanding the Issue

Political text messages sent to your mobile phone using an autodialer require your prior express consent. However, if you're receiving these texts without your consent, it's a violation of your privacy. While political campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, they must follow the rules outlined by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

Recognizing Spam Texts

Spam political text messages can come from candidates or causes that you didn't even realize had your phone number. They may be asking for your vote, donations, or trying to promote their agenda. These unsolicited texts can be a nuisance and may even contain misleading or false information.

Filing an Informal Complaint with the FCC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides a platform for consumers to file complaints regarding unwanted calls and texts, including political spam texts. You can file your complaint online at fcc.gov/complaints, which is the quickest and most effective method. 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.

Providing Necessary Information

When filing your complaint, it's important to include as much detail as possible. Make sure to provide your name, address, and contact information. Clearly explain the nature of your complaint, including the specific political spam texts you're receiving. You can also include any relevant dates, frequencies, and content of the messages. If you have any supporting documentation or evidence, be sure to include that as well.

Following Up on Your Complaint

After filing your complaint, you can follow up with the FCC to check on its status. While the FCC may not be able to resolve every individual complaint, they take consumer issues seriously. They can provide additional resources and guide you through possible next steps if needed. You can visit the FCC's Consumer Help Center at fcc.gov/consumers for more information and resources.

Remember, your privacy and peace of mind are important. By taking the time to file an informal complaint with the FCC, you can help raise awareness about the issue of political spam texts and contribute to a potential solution.

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Change your phone settings to filter out unknown senders

If you're tired of receiving political spam texts from unknown senders, you can change your phone settings to filter them out. Here's how you can do it:

IPhone:

• Open your Settings app: This is where you'll adjust your phone's preferences and make changes to how your device functions.
• Scroll down and tap "Messages": Within the Settings app, look for the "Messages" option and tap on it. This will open the settings specific to your messaging app.
• Toggle on "Filter Unknown Senders": Under the "Messages" settings, find the Message Filtering section. Here, you'll see a toggle for "Filter Unknown Senders." Tap this to turn it on. This feature automatically sends messages from unknown senders to a separate inbox, so your primary inbox stays clutter-free.
• Open your Messages app: After enabling the filter, open your messaging app. You'll notice a slight difference in its appearance.
• Tap "Filters" in the upper-left corner: In the top-left corner of your message list, you'll see a "Filters" option. Tap on it.
• Choose your desired view: You can now choose how you want to view your messages. Tap All Messages to see everything, or select "Known Senders" to only view messages from people in your contacts. You can also choose Unknown Senders or Unread Messages to review these messages separately.

Google Pixel:

• Open your Messages app: On your Google Pixel device, open the messaging app you use.
• Go to the Menu: In the Messages app, look for the menu icon and tap on it to open the available options.
• Select "Spam & Blocked": In the menu, find and select the "Spam & Blocked" option. This will allow you to manage settings related to spam and blocked messages.
• Tap "Blocked Contacts": Within the "Spam & Blocked" section, look for Blocked Contacts. This is where you can manage your blocked senders.
• Toggle on "Unknown": To block all unknown senders, find the switch labeled "Unknown" and turn it on. This will block messages from anyone not in your contacts list.

By adjusting these settings, you can effectively filter out political spam texts from unknown senders and have better control over your messaging inbox.

Support legislation to limit political spam texts

Political spam texts have become a growing concern for many people, especially during election seasons. While there are some measures in place to limit these messages, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the National Do Not Call Registry, these often do not apply to political campaigns due to the First Amendment's protection of political speech. As a result, Congress may be hesitant or even powerless to enact meaningful restrictions on political text messages.

However, this does not mean that legislation is entirely ineffective in addressing the issue. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has the authority to implement content-neutral restrictions, which apply regardless of the message being conveyed. For example, restrictions on auto-dialling residential home phones and sending automated text messages can make it more costly and time-consuming for political campaigns to send out unsolicited messages.

Additionally, the FCC can enforce rules requiring political campaigns to obtain prior express consent from recipients before sending text messages using autodialers. This is already a requirement under the TCPA, and the FCC can ensure compliance and penalize campaigns that violate these rules. The FCC also provides a mechanism for individuals to report unwanted political text messages by forwarding them to 7726 (or "SPAM") and filing informal complaints on their website.

To further support legislation limiting political spam texts, individuals can contact their local representatives and express their concerns. Writing letters, sending emails, or making phone calls to these representatives can help bring attention to the issue and advocate for stronger regulations. Additionally, individuals can stay informed about any proposed legislation or FCC rule changes regarding political text messages and participate in public consultations or submissions. By making their voices heard through these channels, individuals can contribute to the development of effective legislation to address this issue.

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