Toll-Free Number (TFN) Verification Overview

Some significant changes are happening in the world of Toll-Free Numbers (TFNs). From September 1, 2022, every single existing TFN will need to be verified – otherwise, all content will be blocked.

This is a result of changing carrier requirements in the US and Canada. Why? Verifying TFNs is designed to reduce spam and combat fraud. But don’t worry, our team is all over this new requirement.

Here's everything you need to know about verifying TFNs:

• Why do I need to verify my TFN?
• What are the benefits?
• What do I need to do?
• What happens if I don’t comply?
• What happens if I have multiple TFNs? 
• How many TFN verification applications can I submit?
• Does it cost anything to verify my TFN? 
• Can I keep sending messages during the verification process? 
• How do I fill out the form?
• What happens once I’ve submitted the form?
• Who can I contact for help?

Important: Please note that TFN verification is being managed by our parent company, MessageMedia, so please direct all queries and correspondence regarding TFN verification to  tfn@messagemedia.com. If you’d prefer to speak to someone about verifying your TFN, please call the dedicated TFN hotline on +1 (888) 712-6065.

Why do I need to verify my TFN?

Here’s the lowdown on what’s happening with TFN verification requirements. 

• US and Canadian cellular network carriers have introduced a new requirement: all existing toll-free numbers (TFNs) need to be verified for legitimate business use to keep sending messages.
  
  
• This new requirement is designed to help combat fraud, reduce spam and ensure all existing TFNs comply with industry best practice. It applies to all messaging service providers, not just SMS Central.

What are the benefits?

Verified TFNs help reduce the likelihood of:

• Your number being wrongly flagged and blocked for prohibited activity (e.g. spam or fraud).
• Your messages being flagged and filtered for containing high-risk keywords.

  Plus, it means you’ll be able to keep sending messages from verified TFNs, at no extra charge.

What do I need to do? 

Just complete this short form – it’ll take around 10-15 minutes. Here’s the kind of information we’ll need from you:

• Your name and email address.
• Your registered business name, website, and address. 
• How many messages your business sends every month.
• Your primary use for TFN messages. 
• Some sample messages.
• Some screenshots and photos of these messages.

Please include as much detail as possible and submit it before September 1, 2022. Then, our team will take it from there.

The easiest way to fill out the form is via the link in the Web Portal where we have already filled out some of the important parts for you.

To get started, review your active TFNs in the Web Portal here. If your TFN is unverified, there will be an alert in the Number Status column, hover over the blue icon next to where is says Unverified, and click the link in the pop-up to start the verification process.

If you’re having trouble logging into the Web Portal, you can also complete the form on our support site.

What happens if I don’t comply? 

Unfortunately, if you don’t get your TFN verified by September 1, 2022, you won’t be able to send messages via that number. You’ll still have access to all your other messaging portal features and won’t be charged anything extra.

What happens if I have multiple TFNs? 

If you have multiple TFNs, you must have a legitimate reason. This could be due to:

• Having various contact centers.
• Having multiple store locations.
• Needing regional coverage.

If you need to verify more than five TFNs, please use this bulk verification template and send it to the support team managing TFN Verification for SMS Central, just make sure you document these details on the verification form.

If you need a hand filling out your form, feel free to reach out to our support team who can help you with your application.

How many TFN verification applications can I submit?

You can submit as many TFNs as you need for verification. However, each business case requires its own application.

Here’s how it works:

• You can submit - multiple TFNs for the same use case on a single application.
• But you can’t submit - individual TFNs for multiple use cases on the same application.

Plus, it’s good to know:

• All TFNs on a single application should have the same use case.
  
• The business listed on the application must be the same business creating and sending the messages.
  
• Resellers can’t list themselves as the business and submit their customers’ TFNs in bulk.

Does it cost anything to verify my TFN? 

Zilch. Nada. Nothing. Verifying your TFN(s) is free of charge, no matter how many you have.

Can I keep sending messages during the verification process?

Yes, you can – right up until September 30.

But after this date, you won’t be able to send messages while your application is being processed. That’s why it's so important to complete your form before September 1.

How do I fill out the form?

We’ve put together some tips in this article to help you complete it successfully.

What happens once I’ve submitted the form?

1. We’ll share this with the TFN provider. They’ll review the information you’ve provided and either reject or approve your application, or request additional details.
   
   
2. We’ll process your TFN application. It’ll take between 1-2 weeks. 
   
   
3. We’ll be in touch as soon as your TFN verification has been approved.
   

If your verification is successfully processed before September 30, 2022, your TFN service will 

continue as usual, without any disruption.

Who can I contact for help?

Just email tfn@messagemedia.com or call +1 (888) 712-6065 anytime.