Expert: Unwanted political text messages expected to increase
MILWAUKEE- Have you received an unwanted spam or political text message?
You're not alone.
Social media expert Al Tompkins of the Poynter Institute said this is happening more and more across the country and told Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Wisconsin's Afternoon News with John Mercure, "I expect it to happen even more...it's probably illegal."
The most recent case popped up when a listener texted John she received the following text: "Tom Barrett is a Union Puppet who will give Union Thugs everything they want. Call & ask why 414-271-8050."
That is the exact same text that flooded calls to Barrett's office on Tuesday, noted the Journal Sentinel.
Tompkins said there is no way of knowing who sends these mobile marketing messages and getting rid of them may be tougher than we would like.
He said the messages are terrible for consumers in a number of ways: The messages are so short that people can't get proper information; the recipient has no idea where the message is coming from; you can't verify who is sending the message; the messages can cost people some money -- because of the ways data plans are structured.
Tompkins believes that it would take the FCC a very long time to follow through on the messages and "people could retire from office before anything happens (through federal enforcement)," said Tompkins.
The quickest way Tompkins believes this problem could be resolved is if consumers rise up and make this an issue with their legislators, so lawmakers can pass a law that prevent people from getting unwanted mobile marketing messages -- similar to the "no call registry."
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.