In the United States, businesses must verify their toll-free numbers before using them for messaging. This requirement is enforced by carriers to minimize spam and unwanted messages across the ecosystem.
Each toll-free number must go through a verification process. Businesses are responsible for submitting the required information, which is then reviewed by carriers. The carriers assess the submitted details to determine whether the request should be approved.
If the verification is rejected, the status will be marked as Failed, and the toll-free number will be restricted from sending messages. To improve the likelihood of approval, ensure that all required and accurate information is included in the request.
How Long Does Toll-Free Verification Take?
Toll-free verification requests are manually reviewed by carriers. As each submission is carefully evaluated, the review process typically takes between 24 to 72 hours.
Is There a Fee for Toll-Free Verification?
No. Toll-free number verification is free of charge.
How Do I Use My Existing Toll-Free Numbers?
If your toll-free number is already verified, you can continue sending messages without interruption. If it is not verified, you must submit a verification request to avoid delivery restrictions. Unverified numbers may face increased filtering or be blocked by carriers.
What Is Plivo’s Recommendation for Resellers?
Resellers are businesses or platforms that offer messaging services on behalf of other businesses. If you facilitate messaging for brands that are not your own, you are considered a reseller. However, if you only send messages related to your own brand, you are not classified as a reseller.
Plivo mandates that resellers verify toll-free numbers individually for each client.
Currently, Plivo does not support bulk verification submissions through the console or API. Each customer must be registered and verified separately.
How Can I Avoid Toll-Free Messaging Violations?
To ensure compliance and avoid disruptions:
- Submit complete and accurate information during the toll-free verification process.
- Clearly describe your messaging use case.
- Include representative sample messages.
- Avoid content that violates SHAFT (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco) guidelines or deviates from the approved use case.
Carriers apply content-based filters and monitor message activity. Violations may lead to toll-free number suspension. In severe cases, repeated violations could result in a brand being blacklisted, affecting all associated toll-free numbers.