Fix TCR Code 6003: STOP Missing

What TCR Error 6003 Means

TCR error code 6003 indicates your campaign messages lack compliant STOP keyword opt-out instructions. CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices mandate clear, accessible SMS keyword unsubscribe mechanisms in all marketing messages, separate from or in addition to URL-based opt-out options.

Why This Error Occurs

Carriers enforce CTIA opt-out standards to protect consumer rights under TCPA regulations and reduce subscriber complaint rates. When sample messages omit STOP keyword references, provide unclear unsubscribe instructions, or rely exclusively on URL-based opt-out mechanisms, automated compliance scanning systems trigger error 6003 and block campaign deployment.

How to Fix TCR Error 6003

Remediation requires adding CTIA-compliant STOP keyword instructions to all message templates and implementing automated keyword processing. Carriers reverify message compliance and process updated campaigns in 24-48 hours following resubmission.

1. 1

   Add STOP Instructions to All Message Templates

   Include explicit STOP keyword opt-out instruction in every marketing message. CTIA-compliant language states "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" or "Text STOP to opt out." Place STOP instruction at message end after main content and sender identification. Character-constrained messages may abbreviate to "Reply STOP to end" maintaining clarity requirement.

   Compliant Example: "Flash Sale! 30% off all items today only. Shop now: example.com/sale | ABC Retail | Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for info"
2. 2

   Implement Automated STOP Keyword Processing

   Configure messaging platform to automatically process STOP requests within 5 minutes of receipt per CTIA standards. System must recognize STOP variations including "STOP," "STOPALL," "UNSUBSCRIBE," "CANCEL," "END," and "QUIT" in upper or lowercase. Send confirmation message acknowledging opt-out and cease all further messaging to that number immediately.

   Technical Detail: STOP processing requires database flag preventing future message delivery, confirmation response delivery, and permanent exclusion list management. Organizations must honor STOP requests indefinitely unless subscriber explicitly re-opts in through compliant consent mechanism.
3. 3

   Add HELP Keyword Support

   Implement HELP keyword response providing customer service contact information. CTIA requires HELP support in addition to STOP opt-out. Response message should include business name, customer service phone number or email, and repeat STOP opt-out instruction. Organizations may add website URL for additional support resources.

   HELP Response Example: "ABC Retail SMS Alerts. For help, call 1-800-555-0123 or email help@example.com. Message frequency varies. Msg&data rates apply. Reply STOP to end."
4. 4

   Update Sample Messages in TCR Registration

   Modify all sample messages in TCR campaign registration to include STOP instructions. Carriers scan sample messages during reverification for CTIA compliance. Submit 3-5 representative message examples showing STOP language across different content types (promotional, transactional, informational). Resubmit campaign through CSP interface after template updates.

   Technical Detail: Carriers compare live message delivery against registered samples through random auditing. Organizations sending messages without STOP instructions after approval risk campaign suspension and brand scoring penalties despite initial TCR approval.

CTIA Best Practices Requirements

TCR error 6003 enforcement stems from CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices establishing industry opt-out standards. Mobile carriers adopted CTIA guidelines to reduce subscriber complaints and maintain TCPA compliance across messaging ecosystem.

CTIA Opt-Out Standards

CTIA requires all commercial SMS messages include clear, conspicuous STOP keyword instructions enabling subscribers to terminate messaging through simple reply. Organizations must process STOP requests within 5 minutes and send confirmation acknowledging opt-out. Standards apply to marketing messages, promotional alerts, and non-transactional communications regardless of prior consent relationship.

HELP Keyword Requirements

CTIA mandates HELP keyword support providing subscriber assistance. HELP response must include business name, customer service contact method (phone or email), message frequency disclosure, standard rate disclaimer, and STOP opt-out instruction. Organizations failing HELP support face carrier enforcement even when STOP compliance exists.

Confirmation Message Standards

Organizations must send confirmation message acknowledging STOP request and confirming messaging cessation. Confirmation represents final message sent to opted-out subscriber. Message should state subscriber successfully unsubscribed, will receive no further messages, and provide customer service contact if unsubscribe was error. Confirmation message itself must not include promotional content or calls-to-action.

STOP Keyword Best Practices

Organizations maintaining CTIA compliance implement standardized STOP language, automated keyword processing, and regular message template auditing to prevent error 6003 rejections.

Frequently Asked Questions

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