VFAQ: What Happens When a Phone Number Changes Owner?
When a phone number is disconnected, the carrier reassigns it to a new user after a set "cooling off" period of 45 to 90 days. Once reassigned, the new owner receives all calls and texts sent to that number, which may include messages intended for the previous owner, including telemarketing calls.
For businesses, contacting a customer without first verifying if the number has been reassigned can lead to TCPA violations, resulting in potential fines and legal issues. To prevent this, the Reassigned Number Database API can help confirm whether a U.S. phone number has been reassigned to a new subscriber since the date you last obtained consent to contact them.
By regularly checking the status of numbers, you ensure that your outreach complies with TCPA guidelines, protecting your business from fines and lawsuits.