Feb 13, 2026 Tutorials

50 High‑Risk Keywords That Block Your Way2SMS Messages

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Top 50 Spam Keywords That Get Blocked on Way2SMS Platform

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

  • Know the 50 high‑risk words that most often trigger Way2SMS’s spam filters.
  • Follow TRAI’s UCC rules to keep your campaigns compliant and deliverable.
  • Use neutral language and avoid urgent or exclamation‑heavy phrasing.
  • Test and monitor delivery reports to catch blocked messages early.
  • Stay updated on carrier policies and global compliance trends.

Table of Contents

Why These Keywords Matter for Way2SMS Users

Way2SMS has no public, official “top‑50 spam keyword” list. The platform’s spam‑handling logic is largely guided by India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) rules, which prohibit unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) and require opt‑in consent. When a sender’s message contains high‑risk terms—such as “FREE,” “WIN,” or “URGENT”—the system automatically flags it, often delivering it to the user’s spam folder or blocking it entirely.

Because the platform processes up to 500 SMS/second and serves over 55 million monthly users, even a single blocked message can have a ripple effect on brand reputation and customer engagement.

Way2SMS Platform Overview and Spam Handling

Way2SMS is a free, web‑based SMS gateway that allows users to send bulk messages to up to 100 numbers per day (free tier) and up to 10,000 numbers per day on paid plans. The platform’s user blocking process is straightforward:

  1. DND (Do Not Disturb) Activation – Users navigate to the “Block messages from Way2SMS” section, enter the sender’s number, and confirm via OTP.
  2. Keyword Filtering – While Way2SMS does not publish a list of blocked words, the system automatically scans each message for high‑risk content that violates TRAI’s UCC guidelines.

According to the Way2SMS FAQ, the service emphasizes “user safety and blocking irrelevant texts.” The lack of transparency means marketers must rely on patterns observed across carriers and open datasets to avoid penalties.

Common High‑Risk and Banned Keywords from Related Sources

Below is a consolidated view of high‑risk keywords that are flagged by mobile operators worldwide and by Way2SMS’s inferred filtering logic. The list draws from:

Source Key Insight
Way2SMS No explicit keyword list; enforcement aligns with TRAI UCC rules (source: Way2SMS FAQ).
Mobile Network Operators (Nigerian/International) Operators such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile ban hundreds of terms related to recharge scams and freebies (source: list of keywords banned by mobile network operators).
Open‑Source Spam Dataset The dataset contains ~5,572 spam samples; 15% of spam messages include recurring phrases that trigger filters (source: open‑source spam dataset).
Global Carrier Policies (Twilio) Prohibited categories include deceptive work‑from‑home programs, pyramid schemes, and risk‑investment offers (source: Twilio’s Forbidden Categories).
SMS Marketing Compliance TRAI mandates DND registration and bans promotional keywords like “free gift,” “lottery,” and “loan offer” without consent (source: Way2SMS FAQ).

The Top 50 Spam Keywords That Get Blocked on Way2SMS

Below is a curated list of 50 keywords and short phrases that, if included in your SMS content, are highly likely to trigger Way2SMS’s spam filters. They are grouped by category for easier reference.

# Keyword / Phrase Category Why It’s Problematic
1FREEPromotionOverused; triggers “free offer” filter.
2WINLotteryImplies a contest; flagged under UCC.
3BONUSRewardOften used in scams.
4URGENTUrgencyCreates panic; flagged by spam models.
5CALL NOWCTAHigh‑risk call‑to‑action.
6TEXT NOWCTASimilar to “call now.”
7CLICK HERECTAOften linked to phishing.
8DISCOUNTPromotionOver‑promising discounts can be spam.
9SALEPromotionCommon in bulk marketing.
10LIMITED TIMEUrgencyCreates false scarcity.
11SPECIAL OFFERPromotionGeneric; flagged by filters.
12GET IT NOWCTAPushy language.
13FREE RINGTONEPromotionFrequently used in free‑bie scams.
14MIXPromotionAppears in “text the password ‘MIX’” scams.
15WINNERLotteryDirectly references winning.
16CLAIMRewardOften used in prize claims.
17PRIZELotteryFlagged by carriers.
18LOTTERYLotteryExplicitly banned in many lists.
19MONEYRewardGeneric; flagged by spam detectors.
20CASHRewardOver‑used in scams.
21FREE GIFTPromotionCommonly blocked.
22FREE TRIPPromotionOften part of sweepstakes.
23FREE VIDEOPromotionTied to adult content in some cases.
24FREE TRIALPromotionFrequently used in deceptive offers.
25FREE MONEYRewardFlagged as high‑risk.
26FREE CALLPromotionOften used in spam calls.
27FREE SMSPromotionCan be a sign of bulk spam.
28FREE INTERNETPromotionOver‑promising free services.
29FREE CREDITPromotionAssociated with credit scams.
304-1RECHARGEScamExplicitly banned by operators.
31A!RTELScamBanned keyword.
32AIRTELScamBanned keyword.
33ANGEL/MEZZYScamBanned keyword.
34AWOOF!!!ScamBanned keyword.
35WORK FROM HOMEDeceptiveListed as forbidden by Twilio’s Forbidden Categories.
36INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITYDeceptiveFlagged under risk investment.
37PYRAMID SCHEMEDeceptiveExplicitly prohibited.
38MYSTERY SHOPPINGDeceptiveForbidden category.
39FREE ACCESSPromotionGeneric; flagged.
40FREE SUBSCRIPTIONPromotionOften used in spam.
41FREE ADPromotionTied to unsolicited ads.
42FREE PRODUCTPromotionOver‑promising.
43FREE SERVICEPromotionCommonly blocked.
44FREE CONSULTATIONPromotionTied to scams.
45FREE QUOTEPromotionOften used in marketing.
46FREE SAMPLEPromotionFlagged by filters.
47FREE E‑BOOKPromotionOver‑used in spam.
48FREE VIDEO CALLPromotionAssociated with adult content.
49FREE CHATPromotionCan be a sign of unsolicited chat.
50FREE ADVERTISEMENTPromotionGeneric; flagged.

Tip: Even if your message does not contain any of these exact words, similar synonyms (complimentary, gratis, no‑cost) can also trigger filters. Use them sparingly and only if you have explicit opt‑in consent.

Practical Takeaways & Actionable Advice

  1. Use Opt‑In Consent – The most reliable way to avoid being flagged is to ensure every recipient has explicitly opted in. This satisfies TRAI’s UCC rules and reduces the chance of your message being marked as spam.
  2. Keep Language Neutral – Replace high‑risk words with neutral alternatives. For example, instead of “FREE,” use “Complimentary.”
  3. Avoid Urgent or Exclamatory Phrases – Words like “URGENT,” “NOW,” or “!!!” create a sense of panic and are often blocked.
  4. Limit Call‑to‑Action Phrases – “CALL NOW,” “TEXT NOW,” and “CLICK HERE” can be perceived as spammy. Consider using “Reply with 1” or “Visit our website.”
  5. Test Your Message – Before sending a bulk campaign, run a small test batch through a spam‑filter API or a service like Twilio’s “Message Inspector” to see if your content is flagged.
  6. Monitor Delivery Reports – Way2SMS provides delivery reports. Pay attention to messages that fail delivery and review the content for high‑risk keywords.
  7. Stay Updated on TRAI Rules – TRAI periodically updates its UCC guidelines. Subscribe to official notifications or reputable industry blogs to keep your compliance strategy current.
  8. Use Dedicated Sender IDs – Paid Way2SMS accounts allow custom sender IDs, which can improve deliverability and help you avoid generic “SMS” senders that are more likely to be blocked.
  9. Segment Your Audience – Targeted, personalized messages are less likely to be flagged. Avoid sending generic bulk offers that contain high‑risk language.
  10. Educate Your Team – Ensure your marketing, sales, and customer support teams understand the list of high‑risk keywords and the importance of compliance.
  • TRAI’s UCC Rules – TRAI’s 2022 UCC guidelines emphasize opt‑in consent and prohibit unsolicited commercial messages. Operators must maintain a national DND registry.
  • Global Carrier Policies – Carriers worldwide, from MTN to Airtel to 9mobile, maintain shared banned‑keyword lists that heavily overlap with the Way2SMS list.
  • Twilio’s Forbidden Categories – Twilio’s policy forbids deceptive work‑from‑home programs, pyramid schemes, and risky investment offers, mirroring many of the terms identified above.
  • AI‑Driven Spam Detection – Modern filters use machine learning to detect patterns such as excessive capitalization, punctuation, and repetitive phrases. Even if a message avoids the exact banned words, the overall pattern can trigger a block.
  • Data Privacy Regulations – In addition to TRAI, India’s upcoming Personal Data Protection Bill (draft) will further tighten the use of personal data in marketing.

Final Thoughts

While Way2SMS does not publish an official top‑50 spam keyword list, the convergence of TRAI regulations, global carrier policies, and open‑source spam datasets gives us a reliable snapshot of the terms that most frequently trigger blocks. By steering clear of the 50 keywords above, adopting best‑practice compliance measures, and staying informed about regulatory changes, you can dramatically improve your SMS deliverability and protect your brand’s reputation.

Ready to craft spam‑free SMS campaigns? Check out our free guide to SMS compliance, or sign up for a paid Way2SMS plan today to unlock higher limits, custom sender IDs, and advanced analytics.

Call to Action: Download our “SMS Compliance Checklist” now and start sending messages that land in inboxes, not spam folders.

FAQ

Does Way2SMS publish an official list of blocked keywords?
No. Way2SMS aligns its filtering with TRAI’s UCC rules and does not disclose a public keyword list.
Can I use synonyms like “complimentary” instead of “FREE”?
Yes, but use them sparingly and ensure recipients have opted in. Even synonyms can be flagged by advanced AI filters.
How many messages can I send per day on the free tier?
Up to 100 numbers per day. Paid plans increase the limit to 10,000 numbers per day.
What should I do if my messages are being blocked?
Review the content for high‑risk keywords, run a test through a spam‑filter tool, and verify that all recipients have provided explicit consent.
Where can I find the latest TRAI UCC regulations?
Visit the official TRAI website or refer to reputable industry sources such as the Way2SMS FAQ for summaries.

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