How to stop Beto from texting you

Funny, but this may not help stop the texts!

If you received an unsolicited text from Congressman Robert Francis "Beto" O'Rourke, it's not too late to take action to stop future political texts (from any candidate) from constantly buzzing your phone.

Here are seven helpful tips for those annoyed by campaign calls and texts to consider: 

1. If you receive an unwelcome political call, kindly say "No, thank you, I appreciate your time, and please remove me from your list," then hang up. Chances are this is a volunteer calling and they won't push very hard. And if they're paid employees, they're likely temporary workers who aren't earning much for their time. If you respond angrily then you run the risk of being listed as against -- information which can be shared and even sold to other campaigns and companies which collect data. 

2. If you receive an unwelcome text from a campaign, do not reply! The campaigns already have records of who voted (via voter rolls from the primaries) but what they're hoping to do is identify new and "likely" voters from any number of data sources. If you respond, for or against the cause or candidate, you're now on a list. Campaigns realize that a growing number of cell phone users prefer text messaging over voice calls -- particularly younger voters -- and they are building texting databases. 

3. If you receive an unwelcome email, immediately look for the "Unsubscribe" link -- usually at the bottom of the message. They or their email blasting service are required by law in most cases to remove your email address. And be sure to keep your personal email off of social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and websites (do a web search for your own name and contact info and see what pops up). Consider setting up a special email account to check at your own convenience for sign ups, political news, and other updates so it doesn't disrupt your business or day-to-day living.

4. Jealously guard your cell phone number! Check to see that your phone number is not listed on social media. If signing in at a political event, rally, or convention leave it blank or use an office or a landline number that can easily roll to voicemail. This applies to voter registration cards as they fall under open records laws and can easily be obtained by campaigns. Candidates, PACs, and parties will often share your info with one another, and once they have your contact information then it tends to spread. 

5. Sign up on the Do Not Call registry. Even though campaigns and political parties have more legal leeway on this, you can keep private companies which gather personal data from reaching you. 

6. Beware of "push polls." It's fine to participate in polls conducted by recognized polling companies, but if it comes in a generic format asking for your stance on various issues it's best to just hang up. There's a strong chance that a generic poll is designed to either identify your number as a likely voter or to "push" a candidate or campaign. 

7. Consider using a call screening method to stop unwanted calls. You can sign up for NoMoRobo.com to stop calls on VOIP lines or TrueCaller.com to screen calls to cellular or landline phones. Google Voice can serve as your own personal receptionist!  You may also sign up for caller ID services and anonymous call rejection with your phone provider, if available, often at a small additional fee.

Do you have a strategy of your own to share? Leave it in the comments below!