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If you're like most people you hate spam, especially when it comes in the form of a text message and you have to foot the bill.

While the cost may be low, if the practice goes unchecked, WTOP's Call For Action Director Shirley Rooker says the tab can add up.

How common Is spam in the form of text messages?

Unfortunately, more common than you'd like. It is getting more so every year. In fact, in the last year, according to Wireless Services, a company that manages text messages for wireless carriers, the amount of spam sent to cell phones has increased from 18 percent to 43 percent of all messages. When you consider the millions of text messages, the tab for the spam gets to be quite expensive.

How concerned about spam are wireless carriers?

They sure are. Verizon has sued several companies for sending spam to its wireless customers. If wireless text message users are overloaded with spam, they could be discouraged from using text messaging, costing the companies a great deal of money. Consumers generally pay about 10 cents for each text message, which adds up to about $3 billion a year for the carriers.

Isn't a spam text message in violation of the CAN-SPAM law?

It certainly is. In fact, you can get information or report the spam to the Federal Communications Commission.

Does the Telephone Consumer Protection Act provide protection against spam?

Generally, spam text messages are covered because they are sent to cell phones using automated dialers, which are prohibited. The Do Not Call Registry protects all registered telephones, including cell phones, against unwanted telemarketing calls. However, it does not provide for text messages. That's where the TCPA comes in. The TCPA states that automated dialers can only be used in very limited circumstances, such as to send an emergency message to a large number of people.

 

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