Why “I never gave permission” isn’t always the end of the story
If you’re getting nonstop calls or texts—especially from a company you don’t recognize—it’s natural to think: I never consented to this.
Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), consent is a major issue. But in real life, consent can be messy:
- You may have entered your number on a form years ago
- A business may claim you “agreed” through fine print
- Your number may have been reassigned
- You may have revoked consent, but the messages kept coming
The good news: even when consent existed at some point, there are often ways to stop the contact and document what’s happening.
What “consent” can look like in everyday life
Consent can be claimed when you:
- Provide your phone number on an application or checkout form
- Create an account and accept terms that include contact permission
- Text a keyword to a short code
- Sign a contract that authorizes contact
Important: the exact rules can depend on the type of call/text (marketing vs. informational) and the technology used.
How to revoke consent (practical steps)
Step 1: Use a clear, simple message
If it’s a text campaign, reply with a clear instruction such as:
- “STOP”
- “UNSUBSCRIBE”
- “DO NOT CONTACT ME”
If it’s calls, tell the caller plainly:
- “Do not call me again.”
- “Remove my number from your list.”
Step 2: Don’t negotiate—be consistent
Avoid long explanations. A short, consistent revocation is easier to prove.
Step 3: Save proof
Take screenshots of:
- Your revocation text
- Any confirmation message
- Continued texts after revocation
For calls, keep a call log and write down:
- Date/time
- Number (or “unknown”)
- Company name claimed
- What you said (revoked consent)
Step 4: Consider written follow-up (when you can identify the sender)
If you can identify the business, a brief email or web-form message can help create a record.
What to document if you think you have a TCPA issue
Build a “TCPA log” with:
- Screenshots of texts (with dates/times)
- Voicemails (save audio files if possible)
- Phone screenshots showing repeated calls
- Any prior relationship (old account, purchase, application)
- Your revocation message and the date you sent it
Quick checklist: “Is this worth getting reviewed?”
- Are the calls/texts frequent or ongoing?
- Did you clearly revoke consent?
- Are messages continuing after “STOP”?
- Are calls using a recorded voice or seeming automated?
- Are you receiving marketing messages you didn’t ask for?
If robocalls or texts won’t stop and you want to know whether the TCPA may apply, Ginsburg Law Group, PC can help you evaluate the pattern and organize the documentation. The goal is to understand your rights and your options—without assuming any particular outcome.
Learn More: TCPA
Contact Us: SC@ginsburglawgroup.com
