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How to Avoid Phone Carriers Marking Messages as SPAM

A Quick Guide to Help Avoid your Messages Getting Marked as SPAM

Caleb Pilarski avatar
Written by Caleb Pilarski
Updated over 3 weeks ago

Phone providers (AT&T, Verizon, Tmobile, etc) are always looking to protect their customers from SPAM messages. Think of the spam filtering you’ve seen in email accounts, except that instead of being delivered to a spam folder, the message is not delivered at all.

When using 10DLC (10-digit long code) for messaging, certain keywords or phrases can trigger restrictions or filtering by phone carriers. Carriers monitor and regulate messages sent through 10DLC to prevent spam, fraud, and other abusive practices.

Anything that would sound like it was written by a robot. Sound authentic; speak how you speak. A good rule of thumb? Put yourself in your recipient’s perspective and create a message that would be impactful for you. It’s about delivering a good patient experience.

While specific filtering criteria can vary by carrier and region, here are some common types of keywords or phrases that might trigger carrier filtering or result in your messages being flagged:

1. Financial and Transactional Terms:

  • "Free money"

  • "Get paid"

  • "Earn cash"

  • "Loan approval"

  • "Debt relief"

  • "Quick cash"

  • "Instant payout"

  • "Cash prize"

  • "Credit card offer"

  • "No credit check"

  • "Payday loan"

  • "Bitcoin" or other cryptocurrencies

These are commonly flagged due to associations with financial scams or fraudulent activities.

2. Prizes, Sweepstakes, and Contests:

  • "You’ve won"

  • "Congratulations"

  • "Claim your prize"

  • "Win now"

  • "Click here to win"

  • "Prize claim"

  • "Lottery"

  • "Sweepstakes"

  • "Gift card giveaway"

Messages that contain these phrases can be flagged as promotional spam, especially if they involve prizes that the recipient didn't sign up for.

3. Urgency and Scare Tactics:

  • "Limited time offer"

  • "Act fast"

  • "Urgent"

  • "Last chance"

  • "Immediate response required"

  • "You’re at risk"

  • "You owe"

Phrases that create a sense of urgency can trigger spam filters, particularly when they are used in unsolicited messages to pressure recipients into acting quickly.

4. Health and Wellness Terms:

  • "Lose weight fast"

  • "Miracle cure"

  • "Instant weight loss"

  • "Free trial"

  • "Drastic results"

  • "Cure all diseases"

  • "Enhance your life"

Health-related terms can be flagged if they seem to promise unrealistic outcomes or if the sender is not authorized to promote health products or services.

5. Generic or Suspiciously Short URLs:

  • Any message that contains URL shorteners (e.g., bit.ly, goo.gl) can be flagged, as they are often used to disguise malicious links.

  • Use of suspicious or random links that don't appear to lead to a legitimate website or are unrelated to the message’s content.

Avoid using shortened links or links that point to domains with no clear connection to your brand or service.

6. Unsolicited or Generic Marketing:

  • "Buy now"

  • "Limited time sale"

  • "Exclusive offer"

  • "Call now"

  • "Shop now"

  • "Special offer"

These types of sales-focused phrases can be flagged by carriers when they appear in unsolicited messages, particularly when the recipient has not opted into receiving such offers.

7. Security and Account-Related Scams:

  • "Account suspended."

  • "Account verification require.d"

  • "Suspicious activity detecte.d"

  • "Verify your account."

  • "Your account is at ris.k"

These phrases are often used in phishing scams and can be flagged to prevent fraudulent activity or unauthorized access attempts.

8. Any Language Associated with Spam or Scams:

  • "Congratulations! You’ve been selected"

  • "You’ve been approved for a loan"

  • "Click here for your reward"

  • "Send money now"

Phrases commonly associated with scams, such as lottery fraud, fake loan offers, or phishing attempts, can trigger carrier filters.

9. Non-compliant or Unapproved Content:

  • Certain industries like gambling, adult content, or political content may have additional restrictions or require specific approvals.

  • Use of adult content, offensive language, or anything deemed inappropriate can lead to messages being blocked or flagged by carriers.

10. Avoid unicode characters

  • These are characters that are universally accepted across the world: emojis, roman numerals, subscripts, etc. Dollar signs, in particular, are a Unicode character that have been found to trigger spam filters, so make it a point to avoid them.

Best Practices to Avoid Message Filtering:

  1. Avoid Spammy Language: Keep your messages clear and concise, and avoid using phrases that sound too promotional, urgent, or suspicious.

  2. Use Clear Opt-In Processes: Ensure recipients have opted in to receive your messages, and provide an easy way for them to opt out.

  3. Focus on Customer-Relevant Content: Make sure the content of your messages is relevant and valuable to the recipient, such as appointment reminders, service updates, or personalized offers.

  4. Use Proper Short Links: If you use links, ensure they lead to trusted and legitimate websites, and avoid URL shorteners.

  5. Comply with Regulations: Stay up-to-date with TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) and CTIA guidelines for 10DLC messaging to ensure compliance.

  6. Keep messages short: Long messages sent to hundreds or thousands of people can get your number flagged. If you do want to send something lengthy, we suggest emailing your patients instead and use a text to direct them ("For more information, please check your email")

By avoiding certain flagged keywords and following best practices, you can reduce the likelihood of your messages being filtered or blocked by carriers.


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