Forbidden Message Categories for SMS and MMS in the US and Canada
Mobile carriers in the United States and Canada enforce strict regulations on SMS and MMS messaging to protect consumers. Certain message categories are completely prohibited, and violations can result in delivery failures, phone number suspension, or permanent blocking.
This article explains which message types are forbidden, why these restrictions exist, and how to ensure your business communications remain compliant with carrier regulations.
Why Carriers Restrict Certain Message Types
Mobile carriers in North America implement message content restrictions to protect consumers from harmful, illegal, or fraudulent communications. These regulations are enforced by the CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) and individual carrier policies.
The restrictions serve several important purposes:
All businesses using SMS and MMS in LeadConnector must comply with these carrier-enforced restrictions. Non-compliance can result in immediate service disruption.
Prohibited Message Categories
The following message types are strictly forbidden for SMS and MMS messaging in the United States and Canada. Sending any of these message categories will result in enforcement action.
Any messages related to cannabis products, dispensaries, CBD products, or related paraphernalia are prohibited. This includes legal cannabis businesses operating under state licenses. Federal law classifies cannabis as a controlled substance, making it ineligible for SMS/MMS promotion regardless of state-level legalization.
Messages promoting cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vaping devices, e-cigarettes, vape liquids, or any tobacco-related products are not permitted. This restriction applies to all forms of tobacco and nicotine delivery systems.
SHAFT is an industry acronym covering multiple high-risk categories that are permanently blocked from SMS/MMS messaging:
- Sex: Adult content, pornography, escort services, sexual wellness products
- Hate: Content promoting discrimination, violence, or hatred toward any group
- Alcohol: Beer, wine, spirits, liquor stores, bars promoting drink specials
- Firearms: Guns, ammunition, weapons, firearm accessories, shooting ranges
- Tobacco: Covered separately above, but included in SHAFT classification
Messages related to casinos, sports betting, online gambling platforms, poker rooms, lottery services, sweepstakes requiring payment, or any form of wagering are prohibited. This includes both legal and illegal gambling operations.
Messages promoting cryptocurrency exchanges, crypto investment opportunities, initial coin offerings (ICOs), get-rich-quick schemes, payday loans, debt consolidation services, or unregulated financial products are not allowed.
Messages offering prescription medications without valid prescriptions, online pharmacies not verified by NABP, controlled substances, or unapproved drug products are strictly forbidden. This includes both legal and illegal pharmaceutical sales.
Any messages designed to deceive recipients, steal personal information, impersonate legitimate businesses, create false urgency, or facilitate financial fraud are prohibited. This includes scam messages posing as banks, government agencies, or trusted companies.
Messages promoting any illegal activity, including counterfeit goods, stolen merchandise, illegal services, or content that violates federal or state laws, are completely forbidden.
Even if a business is operating legally under state or local law, federal regulations and carrier policies may still prohibit SMS/MMS messaging for that industry. State-level legalization does not override carrier restrictions.
Consequences of Sending Prohibited Messages
Violations of carrier content policies result in immediate and severe enforcement actions. Carriers use automated filtering systems and manual review processes to detect prohibited content.
When prohibited messages are detected, the following consequences may occur:
In most cases, carrier enforcement actions cannot be reversed or appealed. Once a phone number is suspended for prohibited content, it is typically permanently deactivated. You will need to obtain a new phone number and rebuild your messaging reputation from scratch.
Best Practices for Compliance
Follow these guidelines to ensure your SMS and MMS messaging remains compliant with carrier regulations:
Before launching any SMS or MMS campaign, verify that your business does not operate in a prohibited industry. If your business category is restricted, do not attempt to use SMS/MMS for marketing or customer communication.
Review all message templates, automated workflows, and broadcast campaigns to ensure they do not contain references to prohibited products or services. Remove any language that could be interpreted as promoting forbidden categories.
Ensure that all team members who send messages understand prohibited content categories. Create internal guidelines and approval processes for message content to prevent accidental violations.
If you use automation tools or integrate with external platforms, verify that these systems do not inject prohibited content into your messages. You remain responsible for all messages sent from your phone numbers regardless of the source.
Carrier policies and regulations change regularly. Subscribe to compliance updates and periodically review your messaging practices to ensure ongoing compliance with current standards.
When in doubt about whether content is permitted, choose a more conservative approach. It is always safer to exclude questionable content than risk account suspension. Consider using alternative communication channels like email for sensitive topics.
If you have questions about whether your business or message content is compliant with carrier regulations:
- Navigate to Settings → Phone Numbers in your LeadConnector account
- Click the support icon to access compliance resources and documentation
- Contact support before launching campaigns in regulated industries
- Request a compliance review if you are unsure about specific message content