How Can I Cut Off a Cell Phone Company's Messages?

by Michael Roennevig
Being bombarded with marketing messages can be extremely frustrating.

Being bombarded with marketing messages can be extremely frustrating.

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The proliferation of modern technology has made it all too easy for companies to bombard consumers with marketing messages using a range of media. But if you're receiving unwanted messages by phone, email or text message from a phone company or any other business, there are rules and regulations in place to protect you. If a legitimate phone company is constantly trying to contact you, it probably concerns an issue with your account or marketing messages you've opted into.

Step 1

Opt out of receiving any marketing material when you complete any applications or other forms from any phone company. Check the options carefully, as you may have to select or leave options unselected in order to opt out.

Step 2

Unsubscribe from companies' email marketing lists by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email messages you receive. Doing so will either unsubscribe you immediately, or take you to an unsubscribe page where you'll need to answer a couple of questions. Don't click on an unsubscribe link if you think an email you've received is not from the company it claims to be from. Your computer may become infected with a virus. Use your email program's menu to mark it as spam or junk.

Step 3

Follow the instructions at the end of any marketing text messages to unsubscribe from text marketing lists. Again, if you suspect the message is not from the company it says it's from, or you don't recognize the details of the sender, do not respond in any way. You may be charged a premium rate for returning the message or your number could be sold to fraudsters. If you suspect the message is fraudulent, contact the Federal Communications Commission.

Step 4

Contact any companies that are leaving messages for you and ask them to remove you from their marketing list. They are legally bound to do so.

Step 5

Sign up with the National Do Not Call Registry. Once your phone number has been registered for 31 days, most companies will no longer be able to call and leave messages for you.

Step 6

Make a formal complaint to the Federal Communications Commission if a phone company repeatedly leaves messages for you after having been told not to.

About the Author

Michael Roennevig has been a journalist since 2003. He has written on politics, the arts, travel and society for publications such as "The Big Issue" and "Which?" Roennevig holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the Surrey Institute and a postgraduate diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists at City College, Brighton.

Photo Credits

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