How to Protect Yourself From Robocalls and Spam Texts Under the TCPA

How to Protect Yourself From Robocalls and Spam Texts Under the TCPA

 
One ordinary day, your phone rings from an unfamiliar number. You answer, only to be greeted by a recorded message warning of an urgent account issue or dangling a “limited-time offer.”

This is a reality for most US citizens. Many people experience this interruption daily, and it’s getting more annoying. These calls and texts can be a gateway to scams, identity theft, and constant disruption.

If you received or receive robocalls and spam texts, here's a good news. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law that can help you fight back. It explains how and when companies can contact you, and when they can’t.

Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of these protections or how to use them. Learning your rights and taking a few simple steps can significantly cut down on unwanted calls and texts.

The scale of the problem is staggering. In July 2025, U.S. consumers received more than 4.3 billion robocalls. That’s about 144 million calls every day or 1,666 each second. Around 60% were scams or telemarketing calls, and experts predict the total will climb 9% higher than in 2024 unless more people take action.

What the TCPA Does for You

The TCPA was created to reduce unwanted calls, faxes, and texts. It sets limits on how and when companies can contact you, and it requires businesses to have your permission before using automated systems to reach you.

Under the TCPA, businesses generally cannot:

• Call you using an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) without your consent
• Send you pre-recorded voice messages without your consent
• Contact you if your number is on the National Do Not Call Registry
• Call or text you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in your local time
• Ignore your request to stop contacting you

When businesses break these rules, you can take action — and in some cases, you can receive monetary damages if you decide to file a claim.

How to Recognize Robocalls and Spam Texts

Not every unknown telemarketing campaigns violates the TCPA. Calls from political groups, charities, or companies you already do business with might be allowed. Still, knowing the warning signs can help you respond wisely.

Common signs of a robocall:

• A recorded voice starts before you speak
• A pause before a live person begins talking
• Caller ID shows a suspicious or spoofed number

Signs of a spam text:

• Links to unfamiliar websites
• Urgent claims like “Your account will be suspended” or “You’ve won a prize”
• Requests for personal information like passwords or Social Security numbers

If you’re unsure, it’s safer to ignore, block, or verify the phone number before engaging.

How to Stop Robocalls and Spam Texts

The TCPA gives you the right to opt out of unwanted calls and texts. But taking action on your own can make the process faster and more effective. Here are some ways on how to stop them:

1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry

Go to donotcall.gov and add your phone number. It won’t stop scammers but will reduce legitimate telemarketing calls. It can take up to 31 days for registration to take effect.

2. Revoke Consent with Specific Companies

You can withdraw permission anytime. Tell them clearly to stop calling or texting and keep a record of your request.

3. Use Call-Blocking Tools

Your phone carrier may offer free or low-cost options. Third-party apps can also block known scam numbers and filter suspicious messages.

4. Report Violations

File a complaint with the FCC or FTC. Include the caller’s number, time, date, and any details about the message or conversation.

5. Consider Legal Action

If a company ignores your opt-out, your DNC status, keeps calling you using robocall, or sends you marketing texts you didn't opt for, you may be able to sue. Damages start at $500 per violation and can go up to $1,500 if intentional.

Example: If you received 5 marketing texts after replying STOP, you could claim $2,500 in base damages or up to $7,500 if proven willful.

Exceptions You Should Know About

Some calls and texts are allowed even if you’re on the Do Not Call list. These include:

• Calls from political organizations or charities
• Calls from debt collectors about accounts you owe
• Messages from your healthcare provider
• Emergency notifications
• Messages from companies you have an active business relationship with within the last 18 months or you inquired to them within the last three months.

These exceptions often cause confusion, so it’s important to confirm whether a contact falls under the TCPA before filing a complaint.

How the Law Handles Scams

Many illegal robocalls come from outside the U.S., making enforcement harder. Blocking and reporting help stop them before they reach more people.

The FCC and FTC use STIR/SHAKEN technology to verify legitimate calls and reduce spoofing.

A real world example: Credit One Bank agreed to pay $14 million to settle claims it made automated or prerecorded calls without consent between 2014 and 2019. The case shows that even large institutions can face serious penalties for ignoring TCPA rules.

As of February 2024, AI-generated voice robocalls are illegal under the TCPA, closing a loophole scammers had begun to exploit.

TCPA Protections for Text Messages

Under the TCPA, businesses must obtain your written consent before sending marketing or automated text messages. Consent might involve checking a box online, signing a form, or responding “YES” to an opt-in message.

If you never gave that permission, the messages may be illegal. To stop them:

• Reply STOP to legitimate businesses — they must honor the request immediately.
• Avoid clicking any links from suspicious senders.
• Block the number and report it if needed.

Why Staying Informed Matters

Robocall and spam text tactics are always changing. New scams appear every year, and regulations also get updated. Keeping up with these changes helps you react quickly and protect your privacy.

Government agencies regularly post alerts about current scams, and consumer advocacy groups publish guides on the latest TCPA updates. A few minutes spent reading these resources can save you from falling victim to a costly scheme.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to put up with constant robocalls and spam texts. The TCPA gives you strong protections, but those rights work best when you know how to use them.

Take the time to register your number, block suspicious contacts, and report violations. Stay alert for changing scam tactics and keep your contact information private whenever possible.

Stopping unwanted calls and texts isn’t always instant, but each action you take reduces the chances of being targeted again. Your phone should work for you — not for telemarketers or scammers.