All About Toll-Free Verification from iZigg Mobile

January 1, 2024

Due to new compliance regarding messaging from toll-free phone numbers, verification is required for SMS from toll-free numbers. The regulation is put in place to protect consumers from receiving spam messages. Please note that texts cannot be sent from a toll-free number to a Canadian number.

SMS Verification Overview

Receiving verification helps ensure messages will be delivered from your toll-free number when sending to all major networks in the US. Verification doesn’t impact voice or email services. All new toll-free customers, even those porting toll-free numbers or adding new toll-free numbers to an existing account, are required to complete verification. Topics in this article:

Why do I need toll-free verification?
Ineligible use cases
What is opt-in and opt-out?
How do I get my number verified?

Ineligible SMS Use Cases

Gaming and Chance:
• Gambling • Sweepstakes • Bingo Games • Raffles • Poker or Card Games • Fantasy Sports Betting

Illegal Substances or Activities:
• Cannabis, CBD, CBD oil • Alcohol • Tobacco or vape • Mushrooms • Kratom • Other substances, even if related to rehab

Get-Rich-Quick Schemes:
• Work from home programs • Deceptive work from home programs • Multi-level marketing business opportunity • High-risk investment opportunities

Debt Forgiveness or Collection:
• Debt consolidation • Debt reduction • Credit repair programs • Debt collection or consolidation

High Risk Financial Services:
• Payday loans • Short-term, high-interest loans • Auto loans • Mortgage loans • Student loans • Stock alerts • Cryptocurrency

Other Restricted Topics:
• Phishing • Fraud or scams • Deceptive marketing • Pornography or adult entertainment • Profanity or hate speech • Firearms • Sharing/selling data with third-parties

What is Opt-In and Opt-Out?

If you do not have a clear opt in/opt out option posted on your website, you must create one before the carriers will approve your verification application. Ensure your opt-in language is clear and specific, and that opt-in information is present in each section of the website where you collect user information. Include the opt-in on the Contact Us page of your website.

Opt-in: Customers who agree to receive text and multimedia messages from a business “opt-in” to their contact list.
Opt-out: Customers who unsubscribe to text and multimedia messages from a business “opt-out” from their contact list.
Example: A business’s Contact Us page will often have a message to the effect of “By texting this number XXX-XXX-XXXX, customers agree to receive text messages from XYZ Company. If you no longer wish to receive text messages, you may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”

SMS Verification Process

After signing up for an account, you will be prompted to complete verification. The carrier will also need proof of consent. Failure to obtain express end-user consent (“opt-in”) or respect the end-user’s right to “opt-out” will result in carrier rejection of your submission. Consent cannot be obtained by virtue of an existing business relationship.

Please include one of the following:

Website Opt-In: Screenshots of webform where the customer adds their number and agrees to receive messaging.
Website Posting: Where the number is advertised and where customers find the number to text.
Keyword or QR Code Opt-In: Photos or screenshots of where customers find the keyword to opt-in to messaging.
Voice/IVR Opt-In: Screenshot record of opt-in via voice in customer database or CRM. (i.e., screenshot of a check box in your CRM showing the customer opted in and the date).
2FA/OTP: Screenshot of the process to receive the initial text.
Paper Form: Photo or screenshot of the form.

Receiving verification helps ensure messages will be delivered from your toll-free number when sending to all major networks in the US and removes daily send restrictions from you.

Still Have Questions?

Follow the practices above to improve client engagement and watch satisfaction rates soar! And check out our other articles for more advice on specific industries and use cases.