Prohibited Competitive Marketing

CRITICAL REJECTION

Rejection Rate

1 hr

Avg Fix Time

90%

Success Rate

Why This Rejection Happens

This rejection means your sample messages or campaign description indicates you are using SMS to aggressively attack competitors or solicit their customers in a way that violates carrier acceptable use policies. Carriers prohibit harassment, defamation, or using unauthorized trademarks of other companies.

Common Triggers:

"Switch from AT&T today and save!" (Using another brand's name).
"Don't use [Competitor], they are a scam." (Defamatory language).
Targeting a specific competitor's customer list without their consent.

Root Cause Analysis

Regulatory Framework: CTIA Messaging Principles (Respectful Environment); Carrier Terms of Service.

Primary Triggers

Trademark Violation: Using another company's trademark in your text message without permission is a policy violation and legal risk carriers want to avoid.
Aggressive Sales Tactics: Carriers filter out "attack ads" or messages that seem designed to poach customers aggressively, as these often lead to high spam complaints.

Step-by-Step Remediation

Remove Competitor Names

Edit your sample messages. Remove any mention of other companies. Focus solely on the value *your* brand provides.

Bad: "Better than Comcast!"
Good: "High speed internet starting at $50."

Adjust Tone

Ensure the message tone is informational or promotional for *your* product, not disparaging of others.

Pre-Resubmission Checklist

I have removed all third-party brand names from samples.
My description focuses on my services, not comparing to others.

Check for Triggers

Scan for prohibited terms.

Content Scanner →

Find aggressive language.

Related Rejections

Code 30897 Disallowed Content Code 7012 Prohibited Hate/Harassment

Clean Up Your Messaging

Professionalism is key to 10DLC approval.

Contact Support Back to Decoder

Legal Disclaimer: Code 7008 enforces fair marketing practices. Carriers avoid liability for trademark infringement or harassment carried over their networks.