Forbidden Message Categories (US + Canada)

Modified on Wed, 27 May at 9:44 AM

Overview

Some content just isn’t allowed - even if the recipient has opted in. Carriers in the US and Canada block certain SMS and MMS categories on all number types: 10DLC, Short Code, and Toll-Free.

Blocked Categories and Examples

Category	Examples	Notes
High-risk financial services	Payday loans Short term high-interest loans Third-party auto loans Third-party mortgage loans Student loans Cryptocurrency	“Third-party” means originating from any party other than the one which will service the loan.
Third-party lead generation	Companies that buy, sell, or share consumer information	“Third-party” means originating from any party other than the one who is owed the debt. For example, a hospital could send messages about bills for its own patients (if opt-in was provided).
Debt collection or forgiveness	Third-party debt collection Debt consolidation Debt reduction Credit repair programs	“Third-party” means originating from any party other than the one who is owed the debt. For example, a hospital could send messages about bills for its own patients (if opt-in was provided).
“Get rich quick” schemes	Work-from-home programs Risk investment opportunities Pyramid schemes	This is different from compliant employment outreach, broker messages to members, or investment alerts.
Illegal substances	Cannabis (United States) CBD (United States) Prescription drugs	Cannabis is federally illegal in the US. CBD is federally legal, but banned in some states, so carriers block it. Drugs not available over the counter in the US/Canada are not allowed.
Gambling	Casino apps Gambling websites	Gambling traffic is prohibited in the US and Canada on all number types.
“S.H.A.F.T.” content	Sex Hate Alcohol Firearms Tobacco	Tobacco is prohibited on Toll-Free, but allowed on Short Code and Long Code if proper age gating is in place. Firearms and Alcohol are allowed on Toll-Free (US only), Short Code, and Long Code with age gating. Vaping is not allowed on any number type.

What If My Use Case Is Listed?

If your campaign falls into one of these categories, it cannot be approved for SMS or MMS under current carrier rules.

However, we’re happy to help you find an approved alternative.

Contact our support team at support@textgroove.com with details, and we’ll guide you through your options.