How to Document a TCPA Violation (Screenshots, Call Logs, and More)

If you have been receiving unwanted calls or texts from companies you never agreed to hear from, the single most important thing you can do right now is preserve the evidence. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), each illegal message or call can be worth $500 to $1,500 in statutory damages. But to pursue a claim, you need proof.

The good news is that documenting a TCPA violation does not require a lawyer, specialized software, or any particular expertise. Most of the evidence you need is already on your phone. You just need to know what to save and how to organize it.

Why Documentation Matters

TCPA claims rely on showing three things: that you received the communication, that it was sent using automated technology, and that you did not give proper consent. Strong documentation makes each of these easier to prove. Weak documentation, or no documentation at all, can make an otherwise valid claim difficult to pursue.

What to Save for Text Messages

Text messages are the easiest type of TCPA violation to document because the evidence is right there on your screen. Here is what to capture:

• A screenshot showing the full text of the message
• The sender's phone number or short code (visible at the top of the conversation)
• The date and time the message was received
• Any company name, brand, or URL mentioned in the message
• If you replied STOP and received additional messages afterward, screenshot the entire conversation thread

Take the screenshots as soon as possible. If you delete the message or switch phones, the evidence may be lost permanently.

What to Save for Robocalls

Robocalls are harder to document than texts because there is no built-in visual record. But there are still several things you can capture:

• Your phone's call log showing the incoming number, date, and time
• A screenshot of your recent calls list
• A written note about what the recorded message said, including any company name, callback number, or reference number
• If you have a voicemail from the caller, do not delete it
• If the call came from a number you do not recognize, note whether it was a live person, a recording, or silence

Check Your Do Not Call Registration

If you believe the call or text violated the Do Not Call registry, confirm your registration status at donotcall.gov. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page showing your number is registered and the date it was added. Registration must have been active for at least 31 days before the violation for DNC rules to apply.

Keep a Simple Log

If you are receiving repeated unwanted contacts from the same company, keep a simple log. A notes app or spreadsheet with the date, time, sender, and a brief description is enough. This shows a pattern of behavior, which can strengthen your claim and may support a finding that the violations were willful, potentially tripling the damages.

What Not to Do

• Do not delete the messages or call records
• Do not engage with the sender beyond a single STOP reply for texts
• Do not sign up for anything the message links to, as this could be interpreted as consent
• Do not assume one message is not worth pursuing. A single text is still a violation.

Ready to Submit Your Evidence?

Once you have your screenshots and notes, submitting a TCPA claim with Hammerhead Legal takes less than five minutes. Our secure form accepts up to 10 image uploads, so you can attach your evidence directly. Our legal team will review everything at no charge and follow up within one to three business days.