Spam calls and unwanted texts aren’t just annoying—they can be relentless. Many consumers wonder whether there’s anything they can do besides blocking numbers and hoping it stops.
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law that restricts certain robocalls, prerecorded messages, and text messages. Whether you have a claim depends on details like consent, the type of message, and who sent it.
This post is not legal advice, but it is a practical guide to preserving evidence so you can get informed legal help if needed.
Step 1: Identify the type of contact
Start by noting:
- Was it a call, text, or both?
- Was there a prerecorded voice or a live person?
- Did it mention a business name?
- Was it marketing, debt-related, political, or informational?
Different rules can apply.
Step 2: Build a simple TCPA evidence folder
Create a folder on your phone or computer called “Spam Calls/Texts.” Inside, keep:
- Screenshots
- Call logs
- Voicemails
- Any opt-out confirmations
- Notes about consent (how your number was obtained)
The TCPA evidence checklist (save this)
A) Screenshot the message thread
For texts, capture:
- The full thread showing multiple messages
- The sender number/short code (if visible)
- Any opt-out language (“Reply STOP”)
Take multiple screenshots if needed.
B) Screenshot your call history
Capture:
- Dates/times
- Repeated calls from the same number
- Voicemail indicators
C) Save voicemails
If you receive a prerecorded voicemail, save it.
D) Write down consent details
This part is often overlooked.
Note:
- Did you ever give the company your number?
- Was it on a website form, paper form, or over the phone?
- Did you check a box agreeing to texts/calls?
- Did you revoke consent (asked them to stop)? When and how?
E) Save opt-out attempts
If you replied STOP or clicked an unsubscribe link:
- Screenshot the opt-out message
- Screenshot any confirmation
F) Track frequency and pattern
Make a simple log:
- Date/time
- Number
- Type (call/text)
- Content category (marketing, debt, etc.)
- Notes (prerecorded, repeated, wrong person)
Even 1–2 weeks of logging can be helpful.
What not to do
- Don’t click suspicious links.
- Don’t share sensitive personal information.
- Don’t assume blocking a number ends it (spammers rotate numbers).
If the messages are about a debt or “wrong person”
If you’re getting calls for someone else, document:
- The name they ask for
- Your statement that you’re not that person
- Whether calls continued after you corrected them
When to talk to a lawyer
Consider legal advice if:
- You’re receiving repeated marketing calls/texts
- You’ve opted out and it continues
- You’re getting prerecorded messages
- You never gave consent (or you revoked it)
If robocalls or spam texts are disrupting your day, Ginsburg Law Group, PC can review your screenshots, call logs, and consent history to help you understand whether the TCPA or related laws may apply. Contact us for a case evaluation—having your evidence organized can make the review faster and more accurate.
