Attentive automatically detects certain inbound messages that may suggest a subscriber wants to stop receiving texts, even if they don't send a recognized opt out keyword to your phone number. These are called fuzzy opt-outs, and they trigger a message from your phone number that informs the user how to fully opt-out.
What is it?
A fuzzy opt-out is an inbound message that isn't a recognized opt-out keyword (e.g. STOP, CANCEL, END, QUIT, UNSUBSCRIBE, OPT OUT, REVOKE) but may signal opt-out intent — for example, profanity or phrasing like "don’t text me anymore", "dare", "harass", "anymore", or “don’t”. Attentive checks inbound messages against a proprietary keyword list, maintained across all clients, to catch these cases.
When a fuzzy opt-out is detected, it triggers a confirmation message asking the subscriber to text STOP if they want to opt out, rather than opting them out right away.
How do I use it?
Fuzzy opt-out detection runs automatically on your account — there's no setup required.
Why does Attentive do this?
Fuzzy opt-out detection helps ensure subscribers who intend to stop receiving messages are honored, even if they don't use an exact opt-out keyword, supporting compliance with subscriber consent expectations. This also allows subscribers who do not want to opt out to continue receiving messages.