TCR Vetting Systems Operational
Code 3003AHigh

CTA Missing HELP Instructions

Why This Rejection Happens

The "Call-to-Action" (CTA) provided in your registration fails to inform the consumer how to get help. Whether it's a physical sign, a web form, or a verbal script, the instructions must include the phrase "Text HELP for help" (or similar) at the point of opt-in.

Common Triggers: A "Text-to-Join" flyer that says "Text JOIN to 12345" but omits the mandatory "Text HELP for help" disclosure in the fine print.

Root Cause Analysis

Primary Triggers

  • Design Oversight: The graphic designer removed the "legal clutter" (like Help/Stop instructions) from the flyer to make it look cleaner.
  • Space Constraints: On small signs (like table tents), the disclosure was cut off or made too small to read.
  • Website Disconnect: The web form has the instructions, but the description you wrote in the portal failed to mention them.

Required Elements

CTA TypeRequired TextPlacement
Physical Signage"Text HELP for help"Bottom/Footer of the sign.
Web Form"Text HELP for help"Near the submit button.
Verbal Script"Text HELP for help"Spoken during consent.

Step-by-Step Remediation

Review Your CTA Evidence

Look at the image, URL, or script you provided. Does it explicitly say "Text HELP for help"?

✓ Compliant CTA

Flyer Footer: "Msg & Data rates may apply. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to cancel."

✗ Non-Compliant CTA

Flyer Footer: "Msg & Data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel."

(Missing HELP instruction.)

Update the Asset

For Images: Edit the design file to include the missing phrase. The font size must be legible.
For Web: Add the text to your form footer.

Update the Description

Ensure the text description in the "Call-to-Action" field specifically mentions the presence of the help instruction.
"The sign includes instructions to Text HELP for help..."

Carrier-Specific Requirements

T-Mobile

  • Requires support instructions to be visible before the user opts in. Telling them "how to get help" in the first text message is required, but it doesn't replace the CTA requirement.

AT&T

  • Strictly checks that the keyword "HELP" is used. Do not substitute "INFO" or "SUPPORT" as the primary instruction.

MyTCRPlus Tools That Can Help

CTA Validator

Upload your CTA image, and our tool will scan it to verify if the "HELP" instruction is present and legible.

Generates compliant HTML/text blocks that always include the mandatory HELP clause.

Pre-Resubmission Checklist

  • The CTA (image or URL) includes "Text HELP for help".
  • The text is legible (not microscopic).
  • I have used the keyword "HELP" (not "Info").
  • I have updated the "Call-to-Action" description text to match.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Providing Email Only

Listing "support@brand.com" on the flyer is helpful, but it does NOT satisfy the requirement to disclose the SMS help keyword.

❌ "Call Us"

Similarly, "Call 555-1234 for help" is not a substitute for the mandatory "Text HELP" instruction required by carriers.

Expected Timeline

This guidance provides general information about 10DLC compliance requirements. Providing clear instructions for consumer support is a mandatory component of A2P messaging programs. Organizations should ensure their opt-in materials include all required keywords to avoid rejection. MyTCRPlus does not provide legal advisory services or regulatory representation.

Need Help Fixing This Issue?

// Specs

Code
3003A
Severity
High
Category
10DLC / TCR
Status
Verified 2026

// Tools

Validators, simulators, checklists — pre-flight everything before TCR sees it.

Open Toolbox

RELATED ERROR CODES

// MyTCRPlus Academy

GET CERTIFIED.
STOP REJECTIONS.

24 industry-specific compliance courses for 10DLC, TCR, TCPA, and HIPAA. Prove your expertise. Protect your business.

Browse All 24 Courses →

// Flagship Certifications

// Industry SMS Compliance Courses · 20H · $197 Each

HEALTHCARE

HIPAA & Healthcare SMS Compliance

PHI identifiers, SMS PHI-safe design, and HIPAA-compliant patient messaging workflows.

$197 · ENROLL →

HEALTHCARE

Healthcare & Telehealth SMS Compliance

Dual HIPAA/TCPA compliance for healthcare providers and telehealth platforms.

$197 · ENROLL →

INSURANCE

Insurance Provider SMS Compliance

Seller-specific consent, multi-state compliance, and TCR/TCPA for carriers and agents.

$197 · ENROLL →

AUTOMOTIVE

Automotive Dealership SMS Compliance

Multi-rooftop consent, BDC risk, and service-lane TCPA compliance for dealerships.

$197 · ENROLL →

FINANCE

Financial Services SMS Compliance

Account consent, debt collection rules, and TCR/TCPA for banks, lenders, and financial institutions.

$197 · ENROLL →

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Messaging Compliance

Agent consent management, portal compliance, and TCPA rules for brokers and real estate platforms.

$197 · ENROLL →

E-COMMERCE

E-Commerce & Retail SMS Compliance

Checkout consent flows, retargeting risk, and TCR/TCPA for retail and e-commerce brands.

$197 · ENROLL →

FRANCHISE

Franchise & Multi-Location SMS Compliance

Consent responsibilities, franchisor oversight, and TCR for multi-location franchise systems.

$197 · ENROLL →

SAAS

SaaS & Software SMS Compliance

User consent, platform liability, and TCR/TCPA compliance for SaaS platforms and software companies.

$197 · ENROLL →

ENTERPRISE

Enterprise Marketing SMS Compliance

Multi-brand consent architecture and large-scale TCR/TCPA compliance for enterprise marketing operations.

$197 · ENROLL →

HOSPITALITY

Hospitality & Travel SMS Compliance

Guest consent, loyalty program messaging, and TCPA compliance for hotels, resorts, and travel brands.

$197 · ENROLL →

LEGAL

Legal Services Messaging Compliance

Intake consent, bar association rules, and TCPA compliance for law firms and legal services providers.

$197 · ENROLL →

EDUCATION

Education & EdTech SMS Compliance

Student consent, FERPA considerations, and TCPA compliance for educational institutions and EdTech platforms.

$197 · ENROLL →

NON-PROFIT

Non-Profit & Political Campaign SMS Compliance

Donor consent, P2P messaging exemptions, and TCPA rules for nonprofits and political organizations.

$197 · ENROLL →

STAFFING

Staffing Agency SMS Compliance

Candidate consent, employer compliance, and TCR/TCPA for staffing and recruiting agencies.

$197 · ENROLL →

EVENTS

Event Ticketing SMS Compliance

Guest consent flows, multi-venue operations, and TCPA compliance for event and ticketing organizations.

$197 · ENROLL →

B2B

Business Services SMS Compliance

B2B consent requirements, field operations compliance, and TCR/TCPA for B2B service providers.

$197 · ENROLL →

PARTNERS

TCR MSP Revenue Program

Training for MSPs and technology partners on building TCR compliance revenue streams and client services.

$197 · ENROLL →

// Stop guessing. Start messaging.

ELIMINATE TCR
REJECTION RISK TODAY

SMB & Enterprise businesses achieve up to 90% approval rates with our diagnostic tools and carrier-validated templates.