I don’t know about you, but I’m getting absolutely bombarded with promotional text messages lately.
It used to just be emails. You’d give your email address for that sweet 15% off, maybe forget to unsubscribe, and occasionally get pinged with a sale.
But now? Brands want both — email and phone — before they even let you see your cart total.
And the texts never stop. I’ve unsubscribed. I’ve replied “STOP.” I’ve blocked numbers. Still, somehow, they keep finding me.
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At a certain point, it stops feeling like a marketing strategy and starts feeling like harassment.
That’s why a recent class action lawsuit caught my attention. It's something so many of us deal with every day.
It started with a few texts that felt like no big deal.
Now, this major retailer could be forced to pay up. And if more customers speak out? The total could skyrocket.
Shein accused of breaking federal texting law
According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, one Shein shopper is suing the brand and encouraging others to join them.
The customer claims Shein sent three marketing text messages to their phone in June after they had registered their number on the National Do-Not-Call list in April.
What’s more, the customer says they never actually signed up for the texts in the first place.
Attorneys for the plaintiff say Shein violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) — a federal law that prohibits companies from sending marketing texts without permission.
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The lawsuit accuses Shein of causing “an invasion of privacy, an intrusion upon seclusion, and a private nuisance.”
The legal team is seeking a jury trial and up to $1,500 per text in damages if the court rules Shein acted willfully. That could mean thousands for one person and potentially millions if the case is certified as a class action.
Shein has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
What this class action lawsuit could mean for Shein and you
While Shein is known for making headlines in fashion, it’s making just as many in courtrooms.
The brand has faced multiple lawsuits over the past few years, with many involving copyright infringement.
Last year, a group of independent artists filed a class action suit claiming Shein’s model relies on stealing their designs. Brandy Melville filed a similar complaint soon after.
But this case is different. It doesn’t accuse Shein of ripping off trends…it accuses the company of violating customer trust.
If the court sides with the plaintiff, it could lead to serious consequences both financially and operationally.
It might mean stricter rules on how Shein and other brands collect and use customer data, or even a shift in how marketing messages are regulated across the retail industry.
For everyday shoppers, it’s a reminder that those “just one-time” discount pop-ups can come with strings attached — especially if you're handing over your number without realizing what you’re agreeing to.
And if you’ve been getting those texts, too? You might be part of this story whether you know it or not.
Anyone who believes they may have received similar messages from Shein can reach out to the legal team leading the case. Contact Paronich Law at (617) 485-0018 or visit paronichlaw.com/contact to learn more.
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