Stop Spam Text Messages Today
Are you getting unwanted text messages? Those spam texts may be illegal. The class action attorneys at Wanta Thome hold businesses accountable for unwanted, illegal text messages. They offer a free consultation for individuals dealing with spam text messages.
Our phones are very personal. We rely on them to connect with family and friends, whether it’s through phone calls, e-mails, and social media. We also want personal information on our phones to stay safe and secure. When businesses spam you with unwanted text messages, it’s an invasion of your time, space, and privacy.
You may have the right to assert legal claims against the sender under federal law. Some states also have laws that protect their residents from unwanted texts.
Why Fight Back Against Spam Text Messages?
Unsolicited text messages are more than just an annoyance—they’re invasive and potentially harmful. Here’s how we can help you take action and make a change.
Protect Your Privacy
Spam texts violate your personal space, wasting your time and compromising your sense of security. By taking action, you can put an end to unwanted disruptions.
Hold Spammers Accountable
The TCPA prohibits businesses from contacting you without explicit consent. With legal support, you can ensure these companies face the consequences for breaking the law.
Seek Financial Compensation
You may be entitled to up to $500 per illegal spam text, and up to $1,500 per text for willful violations.
What You Need to Know About Spam Text Messages
What Are Spam Text Messages?
Spam text messages are unsolicited texts sent by telemarketing companies to consumers. These messages can be frustrating and intrusive, often promoting products or services that you have no interest in. Beyond being a nuisance, spam text messages can also pose serious risks, such as identity theft or fraud. These messages can be illegal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This federal law not only prohibits such practices but also allows recipients to seek financial compensation for the inconvenience and potential harm caused by these spam texts.
How do I protect myself from unwanted text messages?
To protect yourself from unwanted text messages, your first step is to register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which is maintained by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. You can register your phone number, and you can also check to see whether your number is registered, by going to www.donotcall.gov. There’s no cost to register your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry.
What Should You Do If You Receive Unwanted Texts?
- Register Your Number: Add your phone to the National Do Not Call Registry (register here) for added protection.
- Send “STOP” Messages: If the sender is a recognized business, reply “STOP” or “QUIT” to opt out of further messages.
- Save the Evidence: Take screenshots of unwanted messages and keep records of interactions with spammers.
- Don’t Engage with Unrecognized Numbers: Avoid responding to unknown senders to protect yourself from further scams.
If you don’t register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, this can limit your legal rights against senders of unwanted text messages. To make your strongest case against the spammers, register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry as soon as you can!
After you’ve registered with the National Do Not Call Registry, if you receive an unwanted text message from a sender or business you recognize, text them STOP or QUIT. This message lets the sender know that you don’t want text messages from them. If the sender or business continues to send you unwanted messages, it’s okay to text them STOP or QUIT again. If that doesn’t work, save the unwanted text messages, then contact the attorneys at Wanta Thome about your rights.
If you don’t recognize the sender of a text message, the sender could be a scammer or part of a criminal organization. Don’t answer these messages! If you do, the scammer may target you for more unwanted text messages, or your number may be shared with other scammers.
The TCPA and Spam Text Messages
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was enacted by Congress in 1991 to curb the growing issue of spam phone calls and messages. This law sets strict guidelines for telemarketers, including the prohibition of contacting individuals on the Do Not Call list without explicit permission. Telemarketers must obtain written consent before sending any promotional texts or making advertising calls. The TCPA is designed to protect consumers from the relentless intrusion of telemarketers, ensuring that your phone remains a tool for personal communication rather than a gateway for unsolicited spam.
Receiving and Reporting Spam Text Messages
If you find yourself receiving spam text messages, it’s important to take immediate action. Start by keeping detailed records of all interactions with the spammer. Take screenshots of the spam text messages. The legal team at Wanta Thome can help you take further action and potentially secure compensation for the unwanted intrusion.
Spam Text Message Cases and Lawsuits
Spam text message cases and lawsuits can help to hold businesses accountable for their intrusive practices. If you receive unsolicited text messages, you may be entitled to compensation. Contacting a spam text message lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a viable case. These legal professionals can assist you in gathering evidence, filing reports, and navigating the legal process to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the inconvenience and potential harm caused by spam texts.
Gathering Evidence for a Spam Text Lawsuit
Building a strong case for a spam text lawsuit requires careful gathering of evidence. Keep a detailed record of all correspondence with the spammer, including screenshots of the spam text messages. Document the phone numbers sending the spam and any responses you receive from the marketer. Also, note any attempts you made to opt-out of receiving these messages. This evidence can be crucial for constructing a compelling case. A spam text message lawyer can guide you through the process, helping you organize and present your evidence effectively to maximize your chances of receiving compensation.
FAQs
How can I protect personal information on my phone?
If you recognize the sender, it’s okay to text STOP or QUIT. But never text anything more than STOP or QUIT. If the sender responds by asking you more questions, don’t answer with anything besides STOP or QUIT.
No matter where a text message comes from, it’s possible the sender is trying to defraud you or steal your identity. You should never give out personal or financial information in a text message. You should never share information about income, employment, passwords, or Social Security. You should never share your credit card information.
Be cautious with unsolicited calls as they often relate to spam text messages. Documenting interactions with marketers can help protect your rights and seek compensation against unwanted communications.
You should never click links in a text message. Even if a text message asks you to click a link to stop unwanted text messages, do not click the link. If you click links in a spam text message, this can potentially harm your phone, and scammers may be able to access your personal or financial information.
What damages can I recover for illegal spamming?
Under federal law, if you receive illegal text messages, such as SMS spam or spam messages, you can recover up to $500 per illegal text. If the violations are willful or intentional, that can be tripled up to $1,500 per illegal text. The attorneys at Wanta Thome have the expertise to investigate unwanted texts and to bring the class action lawsuits that hold spammers accountable.
Is it illegal to text random numbers in Minnesota?
Yes. Businesses must have explicit consent to send promotional text messages. Random, unsolicited texts can violate the TCPA and state laws, making them illegal.
What if I didn’t register my phone with the Do Not Call Registry?
While registering your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry can significantly strengthen your legal position under the TCPA, it’s not always required. The registry serves as evidence that you did not wish to receive telemarketing communications. However, even if you didn’t register with the Do Not Call Registry, you may have a valid claim. Contact us for a detailed assessment of your specific circumstances and legal options.
What constitutes “express written consent” under the TCPA?
“Express written consent” means a signed written agreement, bearing the signature of the person called, which authorizes text messages to that person. This consent must be freely given.
What are the benefits of joining a class action lawsuit for spam texts?
Class action lawsuits allow multiple individuals affected by the same spamming practices to collectively seek compensation. This approach can be more efficient and effective than individual lawsuits, and it holds large-scale spammers accountable.
What Minnesota state laws protect against spam texts?
Minnesota has other consumer protection laws that can work together with spam text laws and provide further grounds for legal relief. If spam texts contain information that’s false or misleading, you may have other avenues for legal recourse under those Minnesota consumer protection laws. Consult with a Minnesota spam text lawyer for more details.
Contact Our Class Action Lawyers
Wanta is committed to protecting consumers from unlawful spam texts through class action lawsuits in Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and throughout the United States. If you believe a company has sent you an unwanted spam text message, our consumer rights and class action lawyers want to hear from you. Contact us for a free initial consultation. Our text message lawyers are experienced in handling cases related to spam text messages.
Confidential No Obligation Consultation
Connect with our Minneapolis spam text message lawyers for personalized advice on navigating your layoff with security and confidence. Our firm also handles cases involving unsolicited spam text messages and unsolicited text messages.