New federal robocall opt-out rules take effect November 25, changing what a request to stop informational calls and texts can cover. The final rule published October 26 sets that date for an order adopted September 30.
Companies may treat an opt-out from one category of informational messages, such as payment reminders, as limited to that category. Other messages, such as fraud alerts, can continue. An opt-out responding to advertising or telemarketing still revokes consent for future advertising or telemarketing calls and texts from that caller.
Where a company designates an exclusive opt-out method, it must clearly disclose it. Permitted methods include automated voice or keypad controls, standardized text replies, and a designated website or telephone number. Existing automated opt-out requirements for telemarketing calls remain. Companies without a designated exclusive method must accept reasonable revocation methods.
For a legitimate sender that specifies reply-text opt-outs, STOP remains a recognized response. It does not necessarily cancel every category of informational message from that company.
What is still proposed
A separate proposal published the same day asks whether to require a one-step way to revoke all consent and shorten the processing deadline. Those changes have not been adopted. The deadline remains a reasonable time of no more than ten business days after receipt.
Comments on the proposal are due November 25, with replies due December 28, in docket 02-278.
Suspicious texts need a different response
An unexpected message asking for account or financial information deserves caution even if it resembles an ordinary company alert. The Federal Trade Commission advises against opening its links. If the message might be genuine, contact the company through a number or website you already know is real.
Unwanted texts can be reported through the messaging app, forwarded to 7726 (SPAM), or reported at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
