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Forbidden SMS and MMS Categories in the US and Canada – BizStackPro Help

Forbidden SMS & MMS Categories in the US and Canada

Q: What happens if I violate the SMS/MMS messaging policy?

Your sub-account’s SMS/MMS services will be suspended. It's crucial to adhere to the guidelines to avoid service disruptions.

Q: Are there any fines for sending prohibited content over T-Mobile's network?

Yes. Starting February 15, 2024, fines range from $500 to $2,000 and apply immediately when prohibited content is detected.

Q: Can I send messages related to cannabis or CBD?

No. SMS/MMS related to cannabis or CBD is prohibited regardless of legality at the state level.

Q: What is a Sev-0 violation?

A Sev-0 violation is the most severe non-compliance event, triggering message blocks and fines, and risking permanent suspension.

Q: Can I use public URL shorteners in SMS/MMS?

No. Shared or free public URL shorteners are filtered. Only branded short URLs are allowed.

Know what’s prohibited under US/Canada SMS & MMS rules so you can stay compliant, avoid message blocks, and reduce the risk of fines or suspension.

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Sending Messages Without Risking Blocks or Penalties

You may want to reach contacts through SMS or MMS, but not all types of messages are allowed by carriers.

Certain industries, topics, and messaging practices are restricted or completely prohibited in the US and Canada.

Without understanding these rules, messages can be blocked—or worse, lead to fines or account suspension.

This guide will show you what to avoid so you can stay compliant and protect your messaging system.

Once you understand these restrictions, review the categories below to identify prohibited content and adjust your messaging strategy inside BizStackPro.

Why This Matters

Carriers and regulators enforce strict content rules for SMS/MMS messaging in the United States and Canada. If you send prohibited content (or use banned link practices), messages can be blocked and your messaging services can be suspended.

Follow along: Review your SMS use cases (what you send + what you sell) and verify your opt-in flow is direct and verifiable before sending.

Forbidden Use Cases

The categories below are commonly treated as strictly prohibited for SMS/MMS in the US and Canada.

High-risk financial services: Payday loans, student loans, crypto investments, third-party loans
Third-party lead gen / marketing: Sharing, selling, or collecting opt-ins indirectly
Debt collection and repair: Debt relief, credit repair, third-party collectors
“Get rich quick” schemes: Work-from-home scams, MLMs, pyramid schemes
Illegal substances: Cannabis, CBD, Kratom, vape products, fireworks
Prescription drugs: Non-over-the-counter medications or paraphernalia
Gambling: Sweepstakes, sports picks, casino promotions
S.H.A.F.T. content: Sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco, and vaping content

Important: Starting February 15, 2024, T-Mobile may issue Sev-0 fines ($500–$2,000) for non-compliant SMS/MMS messages. Offending messages can be blocked immediately, and repeated violations may risk suspension.

Additional Restrictions to Watch

URL shorteners: Shared/free public short links are often filtered. Use branded short URLs/domains only.
Indirect consent: Opt-in must be direct and verifiable. Avoid shared lists, scraped leads, or third-party databases.
Alternative channels: If a topic is restricted for SMS, consider email or other compliant channels instead.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether a topic is allowed, treat it as restricted and switch to a safer channel (like email) until you confirm compliance.

Want to message safely and stay compliant?

BizStackPro helps you centralize messaging, manage contacts, and reduce risk with cleaner systems—so your outreach stays organized and professional.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I violate the SMS/MMS messaging policy?

Your sub-account’s SMS/MMS services may be suspended. Follow the guidelines to avoid service disruptions.

Are there any fines for sending prohibited content over T-Mobile's network?

Yes. Starting February 15, 2024, fines can range from $500 to $2,000 and may apply immediately when prohibited content is detected.

Can I send messages related to cannabis or CBD?

No. Cannabis/CBD-related SMS/MMS content is treated as prohibited regardless of state-level legality.

What is a Sev-0 violation?

A Sev-0 violation is a severe non-compliance event that can trigger message blocks, fines, and increased risk of suspension.

Can I use public URL shorteners in SMS/MMS?

No. Shared/free public URL shorteners are commonly filtered. Use branded short URLs/domains instead.

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Message Smarter—Without Risky Categories

If your topic is restricted for SMS/MMS, use safer channels and cleaner consent. The goal is simple: protect deliverability, avoid blocks, and keep your account in good standing.

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Better deliverability. Cleaner outreach.

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