iHateMissingCalls

SMS Opt-In — How It Works

Last updated: 2026-05-26 · Effective for users of iHateMissingCalls.

What this page describes

This page describes, step by step, how a consumer opts in to receive SMS text messages in connection with iHateMissingCalls — the messaging program operated by iHateMissingCalls, a service of Downtown Tactical LLC. iHateMissingCalls provides AI virtual receptionists to small United States trades businesses such as plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and locksmiths. This page is published so that consumers — and the carriers and registries that review messaging programs — can see exactly how and when SMS consent is collected.

What the messages are

When a consumer calls a trades business that uses iHateMissingCalls, and the business cannot answer, our automated voice assistant answers and takes a message. Afterward, iHateMissingCalls sends SMS text messages to that consumer from the business phone number the consumer reached. Every message is a conversational reply to the inquiry the consumer themselves raised on the call — for example, confirming the call was received, sharing an estimated callback time, offering or confirming an appointment, or following up on the issue raised. These are not marketing messages: no promotions, no sales offers, no third-party content.

How a consumer opts in

Opt-in is collected verbally, during the consumer’s own inbound phone call. There is no web form, no purchased list, and no other channel. The steps are:

  1. The consumer places an inbound phone call to a trades business that subscribes to iHateMissingCalls.
  2. If the business cannot answer, the iHateMissingCalls automated voice assistant answers the call and takes the caller’s message.
  3. Near the end of the call, before saying goodbye, the voice assistant asks the caller for consent to receive SMS text messages, using the script shown below.
  4. The caller answers out loud. Only a clear, affirmative answer (“yes” or an equivalent) opts the caller in. If the caller declines or does not clearly agree, no SMS is sent.
  5. The caller’s verbal response is transcribed, timestamped, and stored as the consent record for that consumer.
  6. No SMS message is sent unless this affirmative verbal consent was captured on the call.

The script the voice assistant uses

The voice assistant asks for SMS consent using this script (the name of the specific business the consumer called is filled in where “[business name]” appears):

“Before we finish — and just to be clear, I’m an automated assistant — would it be okay if [business name] texts you about your service request? You’ll get one to four texts within a day, things like a callback confirmation or follow-up. Message and data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt out, or HELP for help, anytime. Sound good?”

The caller must answer affirmatively to be opted in.

Message frequency

Message frequency varies based on the consumer’s interaction with the business. A typical inquiry results in roughly one to four messages within twenty-four hours of the call.

Message and data rates

Message and data rates may apply. Standard carrier rates apply to all SMS messages sent or received. Consumers should consult their mobile carrier for the details of their plan.

How to opt out, and how to get help

A consumer can stop messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. Opt-out is honored immediately and applies to all future messages iHateMissingCalls sends on behalf of that business. Replying HELP to any message returns help information. A consumer may also contact us at legal@ihatemissingcalls.com.

Sample messages

Representative messages a consumer may receive:

  • “Hi, this is [business name]. We received your call about a leaking faucet. A technician will follow up within 30 minutes. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.”
  • “[business name] — got your call. A technician will call you back later today to schedule. If you need to reach us sooner, call us at this number. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.”
  • “[business name]: your service is complete. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.”

Privacy and terms

Mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in consent are not shared with or sold to any third party, and not shared with affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. SMS opt-in data is used only to deliver the messages described above on behalf of the business the consumer called. See our Privacy Policy and the SMS Messaging Program Terms in our Terms of Service (Section 15).

Contact

legal@ihatemissingcalls.com