What is a Deactivated / Reassigned Phone Number?
The National Reassigned Numbers Database (RND) is a centralized system that tracks U.S. phone numbers that have been permanently disconnected and may have been reassigned to new users.
Why is Identifying Deactivated / Reassigned Numbers Important?
By consulting the RND, sales professionals can verify whether a phone number has been reassigned, ensuring they contact the intended individuals who have consented to receive their calls or text messages.
For sales teams, regularly cross-referencing contact lists with the RND is essential for several reasons:
Legal Compliance: The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits contacting individuals without their explicit consent. Scrubbing for deactivated phone numbers helps sales professionals confirm that they are reaching out to the correct individuals, thereby adhering to legal TCPA requirements.
Avoiding Financial Penalties: Accidentally contacting someone who hasn't provided consent due to a reassigned number can result in significant fines and legal repercussions. Deactivated / Reassigned number checks assist in mitigating this risk by verifying the current ownership of phone numbers.
Preserving Brand Reputation: Respecting consumers' preferences by avoiding unsolicited calls to those with reassigned numbers helps maintain a company's reputation as well as the phone number reputation. Disregarding these preferences can erode trust and deter potential customers.
Improving Call Efficiency: By removing reassigned numbers from calling databases, sales teams can focus on prospects who are more likely to be receptive, thereby enhancing overall efficiency saving time and money.
Note: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not specify an exact frequency for checking the RND; however, it is advisable to perform this deactivated number verification regularly, especially when re-engaging with contacts after a prolonged period.
Regularly scrubbing phone numbers against the National Reassigned Numbers Database is vital for sales professionals to ensure not contacting a phone number that has been reassigned for legal compliance, avoid substantial fines, uphold their company's reputation, and optimize their outreach efforts.