If you replied “STOP” to a spam text and the messages kept coming, you’re probably wondering:
- Is every text after STOP illegal?
- Does each message count separately?
- Can I get $500 per text?
In many cases, yes — each unwanted text after you revoke consent may count as a separate TCPA violation.
Here’s how it works.
What the TCPA Requires After You Send “STOP”
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits companies from sending automated marketing texts without prior express consent.
Importantly:
👉 You have the right to revoke consent at any time.
Replying with:
- STOP
- UNSUBSCRIBE
- END
- CANCEL
is generally considered a valid revocation of consent.
Once consent is revoked, the company must stop sending marketing texts.
Does Every Text After STOP Count as a Separate Violation?
In many cases, yes.
Under the TCPA:
- Each unlawful call or text can trigger statutory damages.
- Damages are calculated per violation, not per campaign.
That means:
- If you receive 1 unlawful text → 1 potential violation
- If you receive 10 unlawful texts → 10 potential violations
Each may carry:
- $500 per violation (standard)
- Up to $1,500 per violation (if willful or knowing)
So multiple post-STOP texts can significantly increase potential damages.
What About Confirmation Messages?
There is an important exception.
After you send STOP, a company is typically allowed to send:
✔ A single confirmation message acknowledging your opt-out.
For example:
“You have been unsubscribed and will no longer receive messages.”
That confirmation text usually does NOT violate the TCPA.
However:
❌ Additional marketing texts after the confirmation may qualify as violations.
What Counts as Revoking Consent?
You do not need legal language.
Courts have generally found that revocation can be:
- Replying STOP
- Sending a written request
- Verbally telling a live representative
- Emailing to revoke consent
The revocation must be clear.
If a reasonable business would understand you withdrew permission, they are expected to stop.
What If the Company Claims “System Error”?
Companies sometimes argue:
- The opt-out wasn’t processed
- The message was automated
- It was a “glitch”
- It came from a third-party vendor
That does not automatically excuse liability.
Businesses are generally responsible for their vendors and compliance systems.
What If the Texts Are Informational, Not Marketing?
The TCPA rules differ depending on the type of message.
Marketing texts require prior express written consent.
Informational texts (like appointment reminders) may require a lower level of consent.
However, once you revoke consent, continued unwanted automated texts may still raise legal issues.
How Much Could You Recover?
TCPA damages are statutory:
- $500 per unlawful call or text
- Up to $1,500 per violation if willful
Example:
- 5 texts after STOP → $2,500 minimum
- If willful → up to $7,500
The numbers can add up quickly.
What Evidence Should You Keep?
If you’re receiving texts after sending STOP:
- Screenshot your STOP message.
- Screenshot all follow-up texts.
- Save timestamps.
- Do not delete the message thread.
- Note whether the texts are marketing in nature.
Preserving evidence is critical.
Important: Timing Matters
TCPA claims are subject to a statute of limitations (which may vary depending on circumstances and jurisdiction).
If texts are ongoing, acting sooner is usually better.
The Bottom Line
In many cases, each marketing text sent after you reply STOP may count as a separate TCPA violation.
One confirmation message is usually allowed.
Repeated promotional texts after revocation may expose the sender to statutory damages.
If unwanted texts continue after you’ve opted out, you may want to evaluate your rights under the TCPA.
