Verify My Toll-Free Number for Messaging
Due to new messaging compliance regulations, anyone sending or receiving SMS from toll-free numbers must go through the verification process. This regulation is to protect anyone from receiving spam messages. Please note that texts cannot be sent from a toll-free number to a Canadian number. The verification process is free of charge.
If you have already submitted your verification request, please double-check your verification status here. If your toll-free verification has Failed or Declined, you must re-submit your verification request.
New customers porting toll-free numbers and new toll-free number orders are required to complete verification as part of setup. The verification process is free of charge.
How do I start the verification process?
Grasshopper has made it easy: You can now submit your toll-free number for verification through the Admin Center. Verification can take up to 4 weeks to process, so start now.
- Start verification and submit your toll-free number for verification through the Admin Center. It’s not necessary to include samples of every different message you send to customers, but it is recommended that your message samples are a good representative of much of the messaging you plan to send, ensuring compliance with carrier policies and preventing spam or unsolicited messages. Learn about ineligible use cases.
Important: If you do not fully complete the form there will be delays in processing the verification. Learn more about filling out the form.
- The carrier will also need proof of consent. Please include one of the following:
Attention: Failure to obtain express end-user consent (opt-in) or respect the end-user’s right to revoke consent (opt-out) will result in carrier rejection of your submission. Consent cannot be obtained by virtue of an existing business relationship.
- If website opt-in: Screenshots of webform where the customer adds their number and agrees to receive messaging.
- Website posting (support): Where the number is advertised and where customers find the number to text.
- If keyword or QR code opt-in: Photos or screenshots of where customers find the keyword to opt-in to messaging.
- If 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 (Customer/Employee): Photo or screenshot of the form.
You can check the status of your verification at the same link above where you submitted your verification. The different statuses are Unverified, Pending, Verified, and Declined.
Why do I need toll-free messaging verification?
Receiving verification helps ensure messages will be delivered from your toll-free number when sending to all major networks in the US.
What happens if I don't start verification by November 8th?
If your submission isn’t in pending status with the carrier by November 8, 2023, all outbound SMS will be blocked. Once your submission has been reviewed with all requirements included and submitted to the carrier, your submission will be pending and outbound SMS will be allowed. You will be informed once your submission is in pending status.
Ineligible use cases
In addition to registration requirements, carriers also use content-based filtering to block messages that include prohibited content in an effort to protect recipients. Furthermore, beginning January 1, 2024, some carriers such as T-Mobile will also begin issuing aggressive fines for sending messages with prohibited content.
All Grasshopper customers should review the messaging principles and best practices guide published by CTIA, a wireless industry association, to ensure you are not using language, terminology, or practices that may invertedly lead to blocked message or fines.
High-Risk Financial Services |
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Get Rich Quick Schemes |
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Debt Forgiveness |
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Illegal Substances/Activities |
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General |
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What is opt-in and opt-out?
- Opt-in
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Customers who agree to receive text messages from a business "opt-in".
Opt-in example: Customers manually opt-in by selecting a button or checking a box to agree to receive text messages from a contact form on the business website.
- Opt-out
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Customers who unsubscribe to text messages from a business "opt-out".
Opt-out example: Customers must have the ability to opt-out in at least two ways:
- Customers who previously opted in to texting can opt-out by texting "STOP" to XXX-XXX-XXXX.
- Customers must also have the option to manually opt-out by selecting a button or checking a box to not receive text messages from a contact form on the business website.
- the language used in opt-in is clear and specific
- opt-in information is present in each section of the website where you collect user information
- opt-in is included on the 'contact us' section of your webpage
- if you don't have a contact us page, you should create one
Common rejection reasons
Below is a list of common rejection reasons with guidance to avoid rejection.
Incomplete Call to Action (CTA) |
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Opt-out message |
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SHAFT-C content |
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Lack of privacy policy and terms and conditions |
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Lack of a website or online presence |
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Content attributes |
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