Forbidden Message Categories for Toll-Free SMS and MMS
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Forbidden Message Categories for Toll-Free SMS and MMS
Section titled “Forbidden Message Categories for Toll-Free SMS and MMS”The following message categories are not permitted on toll-free SMS or MMS in Canada or the US. Attempting to send messages that fall into these categories may result in automatic rejection or account suspension.
SIPSTACK also employs detection systems to identify policy violations regardless of the stated use case. Accounts found to be breaking these rules may be suspended.
Forbidden Categories
Section titled “Forbidden Categories”| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High-risk financial services | Payday loans, short-term high-interest loans, third-party auto loans, third-party mortgage loans, student loans | ”Third-party” means the message originates from a party other than the one servicing the loan |
| Debt collection or forgiveness | Third-party debt collection, debt consolidation, debt reduction, credit repair programs | A business can message its own customers about their own debt (with opt-in), but not on behalf of a third party |
| ”Get rich quick” schemes | Work-from-home programs, high-risk investment opportunities, pyramid schemes | Does not restrict legitimate investment news alerts, brokerage messages, or employment outreach through proper opt-in |
| Cannabis | Cannabis retail, dispensaries, cannabis delivery services | Cannabis advertising via SMS/MMS is not permitted by US and Canadian carriers regardless of content |
| CBD products | CBD supplements, hemp-derived products marketed with health claims | Subject to the same carrier restrictions as cannabis |
| Prescription drugs | Marketing or solicitation of prescription pharmaceuticals | |
| Gambling | Casino apps, online gambling websites, sports betting promotions | |
| S.H.A.F.T. content | Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco | Age-gated content does not exempt these categories from toll-free restrictions |