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Use a toll-free number? It needs to be verified ASAP.
Did you know you get a toll-free number (TFN) when you join MessageMedia? In fact, you may already be using your TFN to send text messages to customers in the US and Canada. If you are, then there’s something you need to know.
There’s a big change happening in the world of TFNs. In a bid to combat fraud and reduce spam, cellular network carriers are introducing a new rule. All existing TFNs must be verified for legitimate business use – which means you need to show that you only use the number for approved business purposes.
To keep sending and receiving text messages without disruption, you need to verify your TFN by September 1, 2022.
The good news? Verifying your TFN is free and easy. All you need to do is fill out this short form (you’ll be done in less than 20 minutes) and we can handle the rest.
Common questions about verifying your toll-free number
First things first, what’s a TFN?
A toll-free number is a dedicated telephone number starting with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888. If your business has one, then customers can message or call you at no extra cost.
If you’re new to all this, you can read about the difference between TFNs and other types of business phone numbers (here’s looking at you, 10DLC and short codes).
Why verify your toll-free number?
Put simply, if you don’t verify your TFN, you won’t be able to send messages from that number.
Verification also helps reduce the likelihood that your number is wrongly flagged and blocked for prohibited activity, or that it’s filtered for containing high-risk words. This means it’s less likely to land on the blacklist.
With all this in mind, it makes sense to verify your TFN. ASAP.
What happens if you have multiple TFNs?
That’s OK, as long as you’ve got a legitimate reason to use more than one number. For example, you might have a couple of store locations across the country, or different contact centers.
You can apply to get as many TFNs verified as you need. If you use multiple TFNs for one business case, they can all be included on the same application. By ‘business case’, we mean things like SMS marketing campaigns, appointment reminders, or emergency notifications.
But if each TFN is for a different ‘business case’, they’ll each need their own application.
You can use the online form to verify up to five TFNs at a time. If you need to verify more than five TFNs, you can download a bulk verification template from the form page.
How long does it take to verify a TFN?
Once you’ve filled out the online form, we’ll review it and share with your TFN provider. The whole process takes between 1-2 weeks, so just be sure to allow plenty of time before the 1 September deadline.
If you don’t get it done by September, you won’t be able to use your TFN until verification is complete.
What information do I need to complete the form?
The first half of the form asks standard questions about your business. A note on this. Just make sure you’re providing info about the business that actually uses the TFN to send messages.
Then, we dive into detail about how you use TFNs today. You’ll need to provide info about:
- How many messages you send each month
- What you use TFNs for (so, business use cases)
- Sample messages
- Sample call to actions in your messages (including URLs or phone numbers you use in your messages)
- How customers can opt in and out
- How you advertise your TFN
Don’t worry. If you’re unsure about how to answer any of the questions, you can reach out to our friendly team.
We’re here to help verify your TFN
With September 1 fast approaching, it’s a good idea to start your toll-free number verification process ASAP. Here’s the form you’ll need to fill in.
If you have any questions, just email tfn@messagemedia.com or our TFN hotline on +1 (888) 712-6065 any time. Or, if you want more info, read these support articles.
