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Sev-0 Fines on Prohibited A2P Traffic
T-Mobile issues fines for the most severe A2P 10DLC violations. Learn what triggers Sev-0, how fines are tiered, and how to keep campaigns compliant.
Avoiding Expensive Carrier Fines for Non-Compliant Text Messaging
Carriers now aggressively enforce messaging compliance rules to reduce spam, phishing, fraud, and abusive A2P traffic across their networks.
T-Mobile Sev-0 violations are the most severe A2P enforcement actions and can trigger large pass-through fines or even campaign suspension.
Without understanding prohibited messaging categories and compliance requirements, businesses risk expensive penalties and damaged sender reputation.
This guide will walk you through Sev-0 fines, prohibited traffic examples, and compliance best practices so you can reduce risk and protect your messaging operations.
To begin, review the overview and understand how Sev-0 violations are applied to prohibited A2P messaging traffic.
Overview
T-Mobile introduced Sev-0 fines for prohibited A2P 10DLC traffic. These are pass-through charges applied when prohibited messaging traverses the T-Mobile network. Multiple violations can result in brand/campaign suspension from the carrier network.
Effective date: Sev-0 fines are applied to violations occurring on or after February 15, 2024.
Fine Tiers & Examples
| Tier | Amount | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,000 | Phishing (including simulated testing), smishing, social engineering. |
| Tier 2 | $1,000 | Illegal content (must be legal federally and in all 50 states). |
| Tier 3 | $500 | Other commercial violations, including non-compliant SHAFT content. |
SHAFT: Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco. Any content in these categories must follow carrier rules and legal requirements (often including safeguards like age-gating).
What Triggers a Sev-0
- Phishing / Smishing / Social Engineering: Any attempt to obtain credentials, payment info, or sensitive data—including “simulated” testing.
- Illegal Content: Content must be legal federally and in all 50 states to avoid Tier 2 violations.
- Non-compliant SHAFT: Content in restricted categories that violates rules or lacks required safeguards.
How Fines Are Applied
- T-Mobile identifies prohibited traffic and issues a Sev-0 notice.
- The fine is passed through to the sender (billed as the applicable tier amount).
- Repeated violations can lead to carrier suspension of brands/campaigns.
Tip: Treat Sev-0 as “zero tolerance.” Even one bad campaign or template can create expensive exposure.
Stay Compliant (Checklist)
- Send only to opted-in contacts and keep records of consent.
- Include clear sender identification and standard opt-out language (e.g., “Reply STOP to opt-out”).
- Avoid prohibited content and “credential-harvest” language, even in internal training.
- Use transparent links (avoid link shorteners that hide destination) and keep domains consistent.
- Audit templates and workflows regularly; pause sends if you see unusual complaints or opt-outs.
Avoid costly carrier fines
Keep A2P traffic clean—consent-based lists, clear identification, and strict content rules protect your sender reputation and budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sev-0 violation?
A Sev-0 is T-Mobile’s most severe consumer violation for prohibited A2P traffic, including phishing/smishing, social engineering, illegal content, and non-compliant SHAFT content.
When did Sev-0 fines begin?
Fines are passed through to senders for violations occurring on or after February 15, 2024.
How much are the fines?
$2,000 (Tier 1 phishing/smishing/social engineering), $1,000 (Tier 2 illegal content), $500 (Tier 3 other violations including non-compliant SHAFT).
Does this apply to all my traffic?
It applies to any messaging that traverses the T-Mobile network. Excessive violations can lead to suspension of brands or campaigns.
How will I know if I was fined?
You’ll receive a Sev-0 violation notice and see the fine billed as a pass-through charge.
Keep your A2P messaging compliant
Train your team, review templates, and maintain clean opt-in practices so your campaigns stay live and your sender reputation stays strong.
Fewer risks. More deliverability.
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