See if you qualify for the $18.8M O'Reilly Automotive telemarketing settlement and learn how to stop unwanted texts

O'Reilly Automotive, one of the largest retailers of automotive aftermarket parts in the U.S, has agreed to pay up to $18.8 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it sent unwanted texts to consumers whose phone numbers were registered on the National Do Not Call Registry.

In an April 2025 complaint, the plaintiffs alleged O'Reilly violated the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by sending multiple unsolicited text messages to numbers on the registry. 

Mobile phone companies routinely recycle disconnected numbers, so a line that once belonged to a consumer who opted in to receiving communications from O'Reilly may end up reassigned to someone who never consented.

O'Reilly has not admitted to any wrongdoing but said it agreed to the settlement to avoid protracted litigation.

Eligible consumers who submit a valid claim could receive an estimated payment of up to $22, but the deadline to file a claim is Sept. 28, 2026.

Here's what you need to know about O'Reilly's $18.8 million spam text settlement, including who is eligible and how to file a claim. Plus, learn how to limit unwanted calls and texts.

The settlement class includes U.S. consumers who:

• Were registered on the National Do Not Call Registry for at least 30 days.
• Had a telephone number that had been reassigned to them.
• Received more than one text message from or on behalf of O'Reilly Automotive within a 12-month period between Apr. 15, 2021 and June 29, 2026.

In filings, O'Reilly estimated there may be 562,465 eligible class members.

Even if you did not get a postcard or email, you may still be part of the settlement class if your phone number appears in the calling records obtained for this case.

If you're not sure if you qualify, you can visit the settlement website, email the settlement administrator or call 833-930-0257.

It's estimated that class members who submit a valid claim could receive up to $22, although the final amount will be impacted by the number of valid claims, payments to lead class members, legal fees, settlement administration and other expenses.

Eligible class members who received a notification should complete an online claim form using the claim ID from their settlement notice by the Sept. 28, 2026, deadline.

You can also print out and complete a claim form and mail it to:

Bryan v. O'Reilly Automotive Inc.
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration
P.O. Box 225391
New York, NY 10150-5391

A final fairness hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2026. Payments will be distributed after the settlement receives final approval, although appeals may slow the process.

Getting on the National Do Not Call Registry is free and takes just a few minutes.

1. Go to the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call Registry website.
2. Enter the phone number you want to register.
3. Check for a confirmation email from the Registry.
4. Click the confirmation link within 72 hours to complete the registration.

You can also register by calling 888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to add.

You can register up to three phone numbers at one time. Your number should appear on the registry the next day, but it can take up to 31 days for telemarketing calls to stop.

Being on the registry won't stop every unwanted call: If you have an established business relationship with a company, they may be allowed to contact you. And some calls, including those from political organizations and charities, aren't covered by the registry.

Being registered also won't prevent calls from scammers who ignore the law.

There's no way to 100% block all unwanted calls and texts, but comprehensive identity theft services like Aura include AI-powered spam-call filtering and text blockers. 

Your phone number and other personally identifiable information (PII) can appear in databases operated by data brokers, people-search sites, credit reporting companies and other businesses that collect consumer information.

The information comes from public records, surveys, loan applications, loyalty programs, social media and data-sharing agreements you've previously consented to. 

Data removal companies like DeleteMe and Optery can submit requests to remove your PII from data brokers' files, reducing the odds that your number will be stored or shared.

DeleteMe advertises removal from over 850 data brokers and claims it can reduce the amount of PII that's being stored by 80% to 90% within three months.

You can send a request yourself for free, but finding the opt-out page, submitting a request, and verifying it was carried out can be time-consuming and confusing.

Removing your information from data brokers and people-search sites may reduce the number of spam calls you receive, but there are always new brokers — and existing ones aren't required to honor opt-out requests indefinitely — which is why companies like DeleteMe have subscription services.  

1. Block unwanted numbers. 
2. Don't share your number on social media.
3. Use your carrier's call-blocking tools.
4. Be selective about the businesses you give your phone number to.
5. Don't interact with suspected scammers.
6. Ask companies to stop making telemarketing calls — even if you have an existing relationship.
7. Reconsider entering sweepstakes and promotions.  
8. Report illegal robocalls and telemarketing calls. 

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed financial decisions. Every cybersecurity article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.