Junk Fax & Spam: Your Rights & How to Stop Unwanted Faxes
Receiving unwanted fax advertisements wastes your ink, paper, and time. Learn what the law says about junk faxes, how to stop fax spam for good, and when you can recover up to $1,500 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to send unsolicited faxes?
Yes. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005 prohibit sending unsolicited fax advertisements unless the sender has your prior express permission or an established business relationship with you.
How do I report junk fax spam?
File a complaint with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or call 1-888-225-5322. You can also report it to your state attorney general's consumer protection office.
Can I sue for receiving junk faxes?
Yes. Under the TCPA, you can file a private lawsuit and recover $500 per unsolicited fax. If the sender acted knowingly or willfully, the court can triple that to $1,500 per violation.
How do I stop getting fax spam on my machine?
Use the opt-out notice on the fax, block the sender's number, disable automatic printing, or switch to an [online fax service](/blog/best-online-fax-services/) with built-in spam filtering.
What is the Junk Fax Prevention Act?
The Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005 amended the TCPA to allow fax advertisements only when there is an established business relationship and the fax includes a clear opt-out notice. Senders must honor opt-out requests within 30 days.