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Primarily in the United States, but also abroad, carriers filter SMS and MMS messages using a variety of methods, including:
  • Keyword filtering: Carriers block messages that contain certain keywords.
  • Content filtering: Carriers block messages that contain prohibited content using machine learning.
  • Number filtering: Carriers block messages from blacklisted numbers (e.g., those consistently reported as spam).
Local carriers ultimately have the authority to determine what kind of traffic flows over their networks. This means that the carriers might impose restrictions on SMS / MMS that exceed the minimum requirements of the law.

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Prohibited Topics

  • Payday loans
  • Short term high-interest loans
  • Third-party auto loans
  • Third-party mortgage loans
  • Student loans
  • Cryptocurrency
“Third-party” means originating from any party other than the one which will service the loan. SMS messages featuring financial investment advice or tips, as well as information on loans and refinancing options, are prohibited. Carriers also prohibit messages with links to donation sites.Legitimate financial institutions may use SMS in accordance with certain restrictions, and often leverage text alerts for suspicious card activity, appointment reminders, and other transactional messages.
  • Companies that buy, sell, or share consumer information
Buying, selling, or sharing of consumer data is strictly prohibited. The business that obtained consent is the only business authorized to send SMS. “Cold” outreach is the solicitation of business from potential customers who have had no prior contact with the business and is strictly prohibited.
  • Third-party debt collection
  • Debt consolidation
  • Debt reduction
  • Credit repair programs
Almost all debt consolidation and forgiveness efforts are prohibited for SMS and MMS. Regarding debt collection, the business owed the debt can send payment reminders to late payers, personalized messages with account details, and follow up on payment confirmations. However, a third party cannot attempt to collect the debt for you via SMS and MMS.
  • Work-from-home programs
  • Risk investment opportunities
  • “Get rich quick,” “build your wealth,” and “financial independence” offerings
  • Multi-level marketing, network marketing and pyramid schemes
Multi-level marketing (MLM) products, services, or content commonly associated with unsolicited commercial messages (spam) are prohibited. This is different from outreach about employment as a result of compliant opt-in practices, messages from brokerages to their members, investment news alerts, or other investment-related messages.
  • Marijuana/Cannabis
  • CBD/THC
  • Prescription drugs
  • Vaping
Cannabis is federally illegal in the United States. Cannabis businesses will not be permitted to use SMS/MMS messaging in the US, regardless of message content. CBD is federally legal, but is not legal in some US states, so US carriers do not permit messaging related to CBD. Offers for drugs that cannot be sold over-the-counter in the US/Canada are forbidden.
  • Casino apps
  • Gambling websites
While gambling traffic is allowed, as long as proper age gating procedures are in place. However, message delivery may still suffer.
  • Sex
  • Hate
  • Alcohol
  • Firearms
  • Tobacco

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Prohibited Keywords

This is not an exhaustive list.
  • Take action
  • This won’t last
  • Urgent
  • What are you waiting for?
  • While supplies last
  • Once in a lifetime
  • One time
  • Order now
  • New customers only
  • You have been selected
  • Act now
  • Apply now
  • Call now
  • Get it now
  • Do it today
  • Get started now
  • Limited time
  • Free access
  • Free consultation
  • Free gift
  • Free hosting
  • Free info
  • Free investment
  • Free membership
  • Free money
  • Free preview
  • Free quote
  • Free trial
  • Free $$$
  • Take action
  • This won’t last
  • Urgent
  • What are you waiting for?
  • While supplies last
  • Once in a lifetime
  • One time
  • Act now
  • Apply now
  • Call now
  • Get it now
  • Order now
  • New customers only
  • You have been selected
  • Don’t delete
  • 4U
  • Get in touch now
  • Do it today
  • Get started now
  • Limited time
  • Removes wrinkles
  • Reverse aging
  • You will not believe your eyes
  • Bargain
  • Guaranteed
  • Miracle
  • Risk-free
  • Instant
  • Cures
  • Certified
  • Fantastic
  • Cure baldness
  • #1
  • 100% more
  • 100% free
  • 100% satisfied
  • Incredible deal
  • Promise
  • Satisfaction guaranteed
  • Exclusive deal
  • Winning
  • You are a winner
  • Lifetime
  • Lose weight
  • Weight loss
  • Valium
  • Viagra
  • Vicodin
  • Human growth hormone
  • Xanax
  • Reinvent yourself
  • Unlimited
  • Join millions
  • Financial freedom
  • Additional income
  • Be your own boss
  • Consolidate debt
  • Double your cash
  • Refinance home
  • Double your income
  • Earn extra cash
  • Earn money
  • Extra cash
  • Extra income
  • Eliminate bad credit
  • Expect to earn
  • Fast cash / fast return
  • Financial freedom
  • Full refund
  • Get out of debt
  • Get paid
  • Make money
  • Million dollars
  • Pennies a day
  • No catch
  • No cost
  • No credit check
  • No fees
  • No gimmick
  • No hidden fees
  • No interest
  • No investment
  • No obligation
  • No purchase necessary
  • No BS
  • No questions asked
  • No strings attached
  • Not junk
  • This isn’t junk
  • Not spam
  • This isn’t spam
  • See for yourself
  • We hate spam
  • Cancel any time
  • Top
  • Increase sales
  • Increase traffic
  • Sample
  • Avoid bankruptcy
  • Become a member
  • Click below
  • Click here
  • Information you requested
  • Important information regarding
  • Auto email remover
  • Please read
  • Bulk email
  • Direct email
  • Check or money order
  • Congratulations
  • Confidentiality
  • Dear friend
  • Buy direct
  • Direct marketing
  • Internet marketing
  • Multi-level marketing
  • Meet singles
  • Mass email / SMS
  • Obligation
  • Passwords
  • Requires initial investment
  • Social security number
  • Undisclosed
  • Unsecured credit
  • Unsolicited
  • Unsecured debt
  • Accept credit cards
  • All new
  • Ad
  • As seen on
  • Beneficiary
  • Billing
  • Cards accepted
  • Credit card offers
  • Claims
  • Debt
  • Compare rates
  • In accordance with laws
  • Loans
  • Luxury
  • Marketing Solution
  • Online marketing
  • Mortgage rates
  • Name brand
  • Message contains
  • Opt-in
  • Pre-approved
  • Quote
  • Removal
  • Reserves the right
  • Score
  • Search engine
  • Sent in compliance
  • Subject to…
  • Terms and conditions
  • Trial
  • Warranty
  • Web traffic
  • Work from home