You opted out. The messages continued.
You replied STOP, used an unsubscribe option, or otherwise asked the company to stop—and more calls or texts followed.
Law Offices of Robert P. Cocco
Unwanted calls & texts / TCPA
You said STOP.
They kept
contacting you.
When a company ignores your opt-out, you may have more than a nuisance. You may have a legal claim.
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act protects consumers from certain unlawful robocalls and robotexts. Eligibility depends on the facts.
9:41▰
…Company messages
Monday, 10:12 AM
One more offer, just for you. Tap to shop our latest promotion.
STOP
Delivered
Two weeks later
Don't miss out! Your next exclusive offer is here.
Another message. After the opt-out.
Your “STOP” matters.Save the message. Keep the date.
Illustrative conversation · not an actual client
Recognize the signs
Sound familiar?
Repeated contact can feel impossible to escape. These situations deserve a closer look by a consumer protection attorney.
A recorded voice. An unwanted interruption.
You received an artificial or prerecorded voice call without the consent the law requires. The purpose and type of call matter.
You never agreed to these contacts.
A company keeps sending unwanted texts or automated calls. An attorney can examine consent, technology, and applicable exceptions.
Potential compensation
Your privacy has legal protection.
The TCPA allows consumers to seek monetary relief and an order stopping unlawful conduct. The available recovery depends on the claim and proof.
Prepare for an attorney review →STATUTORY DAMAGES$500Per qualifying violation under 47 U.S.C. § 227(b)(3)
POTENTIALLY INCREASED TO$1,500Per qualifying willful or knowing violation, at the court's discretion
These amounts are not a promise of recovery. Not every unwanted contact violates the TCPA. Different claims have different requirements; damages are not automatically awarded or multiplied.
Saying stop
Opting out should mean something.
You do not need to decode the rules yourself. Keep the messages and the instructions the company gave you.
Rules are changing.
September 2026 FCC changes address exclusive opt-out methods and the scope of revocation. Which rules apply depends on effective dates and when the contacts occurred.
September 2026 FCC changes address exclusive opt-out methods and the scope of revocation. Which rules apply depends on effective dates and when the contacts occurred.
01
Keep your opt-out request
Standard text replies include STOP, QUIT, END, REVOKE, OPT OUT, CANCEL, and UNSUBSCRIBE. Save the full thread.
02
Timing matters
The FCC requires covered revocations to be honored within a reasonable time, no longer than 10 business days. That is an outside limit, not an automatic grace period.
03
The company's instructions matter
The revised framework permits qualifying exclusive opt-out methods with clear disclosures. Where none is validly designated, reasonable methods remain important.
04
The type of message matters
Under the revised framework, marketing opt-outs cover the caller's marketing calls and texts. Informational opt-outs can be limited by category.
Build the record
Before you delete it, save it.
A clear timeline helps an attorney understand what happened. Keep original records whenever possible.
Create your review checklist →- ✓Full screenshots of the messages, including dates and numbers
- ✓Your opt-out reply and any confirmation
- ✓Call logs, voicemails, and messages after you opted out
- ✓The company's name and any opt-out instructions
- ✓Any signup forms or consent language you can locate
Questions, answered
A little clarity. A practical next step.
I originally gave permission. Do I still have rights?
Possibly. Consent can often be revoked, and the validity, method, timing, and scope of your request matter. Preserve what you agreed to and how you asked the company to stop. Contract terms and exceptions can affect the analysis.
Does every unwanted call or text violate the TCPA?
No. Consent, calling technology, message content, the number contacted, exemptions, and other facts can affect liability. An unwanted message alone does not establish a claim.
They sent one text confirming my opt-out. Is that a violation?
A limited, nonpromotional confirmation text may be allowed. Save it, together with any later messages, so an attorney can assess the content and circumstances.
Do I need to prove I lost money?
A qualifying claim under 47 U.S.C. § 227(b)(3) can allow statutory damages without proving an out-of-pocket loss. You still must establish the legal requirements for the claim and your ability to bring it.
What if the calls were about a debt or an account?
Informational and debt-related calls can raise TCPA issues, depending on consent, technology, and exceptions. Under the revised FCC framework, opting out of one category of informational messages may not stop other categories. Save the actual messages for review. If a debt collector is involved, see our debt collection defense page.
Can I start without knowing which rule applies?
Yes. Begin with the company name, the dates, your opt-out, and what happened afterward. An attorney can evaluate the applicable law. The checklist below helps you organize those facts; it does not decide whether you have a claim.
Take the next step
Turn unwanted contact into a clear record.
Start with three simple questions and get a checklist of what to gather. Your answers stay in this browser tab — nothing is sent until you choose to contact us.
Ready to talk to an attorney?
Schedule a free, confidential consultation. We'll review your situation and answer your questions, and you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case.
Attorney advertising. Law Offices of Robert P. Cocco, P.C., 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19102. No attorney-client relationship is created by using this page. General information only; not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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