October 2026 brings claim deadlines in four spam-call and text settlements and new court orders that limit text-based do-not-call lawsuits. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the federal law that restricts robocalls and marketing texts, sits at the center of each update. Seals, Hiller, Hudson, and O'Reilly set payments, proof rules, and October cutoff dates for different call and text groups. Federal courts in Illinois, Colorado, and Florida narrowed which text claims can proceed, while FCC action targeted voice providers.
Official resources:
- Read the official notice from Moneysourcetcpaclassaction — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
- Read the official notice from Gmlaw — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
Table of Contents
- Which settlement deadlines need action now?
- Who is paid without filing a claim?
- Why are text do-not-call cases narrowing?
- What does FCC enforcement change this month?
Which settlement deadlines need action now?
Seals v. Concora Credit created a $9.375 million fund for non-accountholders who received prerecorded cell calls from May 2, 2021 to May 31, 2026. Online claims using the mailed ID or mailed proof are due Oct. 19, 2026, with a hearing Nov. 24, 2026. According to the Seals TCPA Settlement Administrator in its Seals settlement FAQ, estimated payments are $250-$650. Hudson v. Palm Beach Tan covers marketing texts sent after a STOP request from June 19, 2019 to July 5, 2026. The Penny Hoarder reports the $2.5 million deal pays an equal share up to $1,500 per post-stop text, with claims by Oct.
4, 2026 via Claim ID/PIN. Bryan v. O'Reilly Automotive settled registry text claims for up to $18.8 million, offering up to $22 per claimant. According to Kroll Settlement Administration on its O'Reilly settlement site, claims closed Sept. 28, 2026. Opt-outs and objections remain due Oct. 6, 2026, with a hearing Nov. 5, 2026. An O'Reilly purchase in the prior 18 months may disqualify a claim.
- Check mail for an ID, PIN, or proof instructions before filing
- Match your number and dates to the listed class period
- Keep proof of STOP requests or non-customer status
Who is paid without filing a claim?
Hiller v. The Money Source settled for $1.5 million for people called on cellphones with prerecorded voice after asking to stop. Atticus Administration states the class period is Feb. 6, 2019 to May 7, 2025.
No claim form is required, and payment is automatic. Opt-outs and objections are due Oct. 7, 2026. That differs from Seals and Hudson, which require a mailed ID or PIN. If you moved or changed addresses, update contact details with the administrator quickly.
Why are text do-not-call cases narrowing?
The Seventh Circuit decided Steidinger v. Blackstone Medical Services on July 14, 2026. It affirmed dismissal of a TCPA do-not-call text class action. According to American Bar Association Business Law Today in its analysis of the Seventh Circuit decision, the court read telephone call narrowly. It held 47 U.S.C. §227(c)(5) covers voice calls reproducing sound, not text messages. On Sept. 23, 2026, the District of Colorado dismissed a DNC text claim with prejudice in Radvansky v.
1st Class Medical. Greenspoon Marder LLP reports the court adopted Steidinger, while another federal court denied dismissal the next day. Text-based DNC survival now depends heavily on forum. On Sept. 11, 2026, the Southern District of Florida denied default judgment in Anthony v. Brian Marketing Group. Duane Morris reports the court held cell-phone users are not residential telephone subscribers who may sue under the TCPA do-not-call provision. That limits cell-based DNC class theories.
What does FCC enforcement change this month?
The FCC Enforcement Bureau removed 14 voice providers from the Robocall Mitigation Database. A Pillsbury summary of the FCC order states downstream providers must block their traffic within two days. Affected callers used Apps Communications, Dixie Net, Reachme.com and 11 others. The FCC Robocall Mitigation Database reform proposal takes comments through Oct. 9, 2026 and replies through Nov.
9, 2026. Womble Bond Dickinson reports businesses should tighten STOP handling and proof of consent now rather than rely on pending rules. For consumers, save message logs showing STOP texts and unwanted calls after opt-out. For senders, audit consent records and honor STOP requests promptly. Save screenshots of STOP requests and carrier logs now; they matter more than pending FCC comments.
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