Does replying STOP work on spam texts? What to know for 2027
Last updated October 24, 2026
Replying STOP usually works on a legitimate business, because FCC rules treat words like stop, quit, end, revoke, opt out, cancel and unsubscribe as a reasonable way to revoke consent. It does not work on scammers, and replying can confirm your number is active. For unknown senders, block and report instead.
Get Ms. Number on the App StoreWhen STOP works
The FCC's rules on revoking consent say consumers can stop robocalls and robotexts through any reasonable means. For texts, replying with stop, quit, end, revoke, opt out, cancel or unsubscribe counts as a reasonable way to withdraw consent. Legitimate businesses are expected to honor it.
When it does not
Scammers do not follow the rules. A reply tells them your number is active and may bring more messages. If you do not recognize the sender, do not reply. Block the number and report it.
What changes on January 31, 2027
One part of the FCC's consent revocation rule is delayed. That part says a request to stop one type of informational message applies to all future robocalls and robotexts from the same caller on unrelated matters. In a January 6, 2026 order, the FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau extended the waiver, so that portion will not take effect until January 31, 2027.
A simple rule
Reply STOP to a business you know. For anything else, do not reply: forward the text to 7726 and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Questions
Should I reply STOP to every spam text?
No. Only to senders you recognize. Replying to scammers can confirm your number is active.
What words count as opting out?
Stop, quit, end, revoke, opt out, cancel and unsubscribe, per the FCC's rules as described by law firm Wiley.
What happens on January 31, 2027?
A delayed part of the FCC's revoke-all rule is scheduled to take effect.
How do I report spam texts?
Forward to 7726 and report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Can a lookup app help?
Searching the number in Ms. Number shows line type and community reports.
Check a number in Ms. Number
Look up a number, read what the community reported, and block it in one tap. Ms. Number needs a paid plan to use, and the App Store shows the price and any free trial before you subscribe.
Get Ms. Number on the App StoreSources
Who makes this
Ms. Number is made by Block Browser INC. Community reports are users' opinions and may be wrong. Ms. Number is not a consumer reporting agency, and its information may not be used for credit, employment, housing, tenancy or insurance decisions. To remove a number, use the opt-out page. Questions: support.