Blogtown, PDX

Friday, October 19, 2007

Politics No On 49 Sending Unsolicited Text Messages?

Posted by Matt Davis on Fri, Oct 19 at 12:22 PM

Scott’s out this morning being political, but this just came through, alleging someone against Measure 49 is sending unsolicited text messages:

I just received 2 text messages from 971-240-1702 with a no on 49 message. Is this legal? Where did they get my cell number? Is it fair that I have to pay for them to send me political advertising? Seems like it might make an interesting story. Below is the text as it showed up in 2 text messages (they were in all caps).

“Vote no on 49:1/2. Stop the government from taking private property rights! Measure 49 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing & will have a catastrophic effect on Oregon’s economy! Do you think the government should be able to take your property? reply “yes”, “no” or “stop”.”

And here’s what happens when you type “bad cellphone” into Google image search:

NASTY TEXT MESSAGES: They suck…

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Comments

Please, please, please contact your cell phone carrier and report this abuse. From my understanding, SMSs of this nature must be sent to "opted in" recipients... if you didn't opt in, please let your phone company know right away!

Posted by Peter Bray | October 19, 2007 3:26 PM

You don't happen to have a horse in this race, Peter? Or a dog in the fight, as it were?

Posted by Matt Davis | October 19, 2007 3:38 PM

I got a text message from a number I don't recognize (971-388-9933) this morning. Here's what it said:

2/2. ECONOMY! DO YOU THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE YOUR PEROPERTY (sic) REPLY "YES', "NO" OR "STOP".

I called the number back, and got a message saying that the Cricket customer I had dialed is unavailable either because the phone is off or has moved out of the coverage area. Message 20 PDX.

I can't reach a live person at Cricket, either locally or at their 800 number.

Posted by Sue Hagmeier | October 19, 2007 4:49 PM

SOMEONE is buying pay-as-you-go phones. These phones offer unlimited free text messages. I suspect they then use them to send out as many messages as they can until they are cut off.

I have no "dog" in this fight. I am pro Measure 49, but I stand to personally lose or gain nothing financially if M49 passes or loses. I don't work for the campaign.

Posted by Peter Bray | October 19, 2007 5:52 PM

Wait, so someone is sitting there one by one testing people on small keypad? I almost feel obliged to vote no on 49 for the massive effort.

nah. I hate spam. And people.

Posted by indy | October 20, 2007 6:38 PM

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