Toll-Free Number Registry: Use Cases
As businesses undergo the toll-free number verification process, it is crucial to understand the eligible use cases and those that fall under restricted categories. The Toll-Free Number Registry provides guidelines to ensure that businesses align their communication strategies with acceptable practices.
This article explores the acceptable use cases for toll-free numbers and highlights the restricted categories that businesses need to be aware of during the verification process.
Acceptable Use Cases for Toll-free Numbers
Toll-free numbers are widely utilized in various transactional and customer-centric scenarios. The following use cases are considered acceptable:
One-Time Password (OTP) or verification codes
Toll-free numbers are suitable for delivering secure verification codes and OTPs to customers, ensuring secure access to accounts and services.
Account-related alerts, reminders, and notifications
Businesses can leverage toll-free numbers to send account-related alerts, reminders, and notifications, such as payment reminders, order confirmations, and service updates.
Customer care messaging that includes some automated messaging (i.e., surveys)
Toll-free numbers can be used for customer care messaging, including automated features such as surveys or feedback requests, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
Marketing (with restrictions)
While marketing is an acceptable use case, there are certain restrictions in place to prevent abusive practices. Toll-free numbers can be used for marketing purposes, but businesses must ensure compliance with regulations and industry guidelines.
Restricted Use Cases for Toll-free Numbers
Not all businesses receive successful verification. If your business campaign falls into any of these inappropriate categories, you might need to review this list:
Category | Examples |
High-Risk Financial Services | Businesses engaged in high-risk financial services, such as
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Third-party lead generation services | Companies that buy, sell, or share consumer information |
Debt collection or forgiveness | Toll-free numbers cannot be used for
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“Get rich quick” schemes | Work-from-home programs Risk investment opportunities Pyramid schemes |
Illegal substances | Businesses involved in the
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Gambling | Casino apps Gambling websites |
"S.H.A.F.T." use cases | Toll-free numbers cannot be used for promoting or engaging in activities related to
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