Words and phrases blocked by Moroccan operators in SMS marketing

If your message contains a too high density of “forbidden words” or suspicious syntax patterns, it will never be delivered to the customer, although the API accepts it. Worse, the operator will degrade the reputation of your brand.

What are these words and phrases that trigger anti-spam filters in Morocco?

Operator filters are not stupid; they look for combinations. A single word passes, but combined with other risk factors (such as a link or majuscules), it becomes fatal.

The lexical field of “aggressive free” is the most basic filter. Operators block campaigns that target vulnerable populations with false promises. Monitored words: ‘FREE’ (in majuscules), ‘WIN’, ‘CADEAU’, ‘Slot’, ‘Easy Money’, ‘Millions’. Local nuance: On holidays (Aid, Ramadan), real promotions using the terms ‘Sold’ or ‘Promo’ are tolerated if the Sender ID is trusted, but the abuse of ‘100% FREE’ without a reliable business context will trigger a block (statut ‘Rejected’).

The artificial intelligence of the filters sanctions the syntax even before the meaning. Blocked formats: - More than two consecutive exclamation points !!! - The abuse of currency symbols $$$, €€. - The strange alternation of majuscules intended to deceive the filters (e.g., GrAtUiT). - The written messages TOTALLY IN MAJUSCULES.

In Morocco, banking phishing (usurpation of identity from Moroccan banks to steal IDs) has prompted operators to deploy draconian rules on the vocabulary related to money and urgency.

• Very high-risk words (except for official banks):* ‘Card blocked’, ‘Password’, ‘Account suspended’, ‘Payment refused’, ‘Customs fee’, ‘Colis blocked’, ‘Security Alert’.

If you are not a financial institution with a Sender ID explicitly authorized (banking NOC letter), send "Your payment of 500 MAD has been blocked, click here" will be filtered to 99% by the operator.

The fatal mistake of most marketers is to try to save characters using public URL shortcuts. Systematically blocked links: bit.ly, cutt.ly, tinyurl.com.

The explanation: Scammers use bit.ly to hide the end address of phishing sites.The operators block the entire domain in SMS. The solution: If you need to send a link, use a clear link attached to your domain (your-brand.ma/promo) or configure your own shortcut subdomain (go.your-brand.ma).

🔸 Message blocked by filters (Refused): > URGENT !!! GET 50% OFF on your next order. Click HERE: bit.ly/promo123 $$$

✅ Valid Message (Delivered): > Hello. Take advantage of our exclusive offer: -50% on your next store purchase. See conditions on: offer.your brand.ma/50

Never send 50,000 SMS without writing testing.If your API provider tells you a failure status "Unknown" or "Rejected" in the test phase on your own phone, the message will not pass.

1. Unit test: Send the exact message to yourself (via a test script or the dashboard).
2. Dichotomy: If the test fails, remove the link and return it. If the message passes, it’s because the link is a problem. If it still fails, remove the major letters and words related to the emergency. Proceed with removal to identify the rule that blocks you.