TFN Verification

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Register a US or Canadian TFN for SMS via Bird

Follow these steps to set up your TFN for text messaging

Prohibited Content

n order to send SMS and MMS in the United States or Canada, you must follow local restrictions.

Please be advised that these are TFN Verification best practices based on the carrier's requirements from the United States and Canada and are meant for businesses who reach audiences in these destinations. Recommendations and requirements are subject to change at carriers' discretion.

Required Information - TFN Verification Form

Toll-free Verifications require specific data to be submitted at a minimum to be considered for approval. The information is used to help identify the end business as well as ensure that they have proper measures in place to send compliant messaging traffic. The following data is what is required for a TFN verification request; incomplete requests will be rejected for not having the completed fields or details below:

Field name
Field description
Notes

Business Name

The end business / the business the end-user is engaging with.

Every TFN needs to be associated with the specific customer-facing brand sending the messages.

Corporate Website

The website of the end business. The website URLs or online presence are used for legitimating business information.

You have the options to submit a) www.brand.comarrow-up-right or b) Social media URL such as instagram.com/brandarrow-up-right or facebook.com/brandarrow-up-right .

a) If you submit www.brand.comarrow-up-right , you must add a contact email with a similar domain name such as [email protected], otherwise, it will get denied because there is no clear connection between the two.

b) If you submit a social media URL, you must add an [email protected]envelope for the contact person (or any other free email). Otherwise, reviewers will ask you to submit [email protected] and a brand.comarrow-up-right website combined.

Business Address

Complete address with street name, house number, city, zip code, state/province and country

Business Compliance Contact

The end business’ contact name, email and phone.

Please note that this will not be used to contact the business during the verification process.

Expected Message Volume

Estimated Monthly Volume of messages. Choose the closest value, and if the customer is ramping please use the value of where the customer is aiming for by the end of 6 months.

Choose one of the listed volumes.

Phone numbers to be verified

Toll Free numbers that are part of this verification request

  • Submissions of up to 5 numbers under the same end business will be approved without needing to provide an explanation as to needing multiple numbers

  • Submissions over 5 numbers will need to provide an explanation. Please provide an explanation in the Additional supporting documentation field.

Use Case

Choose the use case(s) that you believe best fits your traffic pattern. If you are sending messages of multiple use-cases with the same toll-free number, please include them all.

As best practice, do not mix marketing/promotional traffic with transactional traffic under the same sender number.

Description of the Use Case / Summary

Description of the use-case/submission (more detail the better). Give details of what are the main use cases for this number and how the number will be presented and used to interact with the end-users.

Explain the use case - how and why will your business use this number for text messages?

Production Message Content

Provide message samples for each of your listed use-cases.

If your messages include URLs or phone numbers, make sure to include these in the samples.

Messaging Opt-in Description

In as much detail, provide how an end-user /subscriber opts into this messaging program. How does the user learn about the text program and how does the user opt-in? Example compliant Text Message Opt-in Language: “[ ] By submitting this form and checking this box, you consent to receive [use case type] text messages from [company name] at the number provided. Consent is optional and not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP or clicking the unsubscribe link (where available). HELP for assistance. Privacy Policy [link] & Terms [link].”

Call-to-action verbiage must include:

☐ Brand Name/Product Description

☐ Message Frequency Disclosure

☐ "Message and Data Rates may apply"

☐ HELP instructions

☐ STOP instructions

☐ Terms and Conditions link (include a link to the message program terms and conditions, or the complete message program terms and conditions language)

☐ Privacy Policy link (include a link to the privacy policy, or language referring to the privacy policy, that indicates that mobile opt-in data will not be shared)

☐ Text message opt-in is optional

☐ For website opt-in, opt-in consent must be for text messages only and not mixed with other types of communications i.e. email/calls.

Messaging Opt-in details

Eg: link to, image of, scanned copy of opt-in language and placement. Provide images of the opt-in process and what call-to-action an end-user is agreeing to. This should be specific to the use cases related to this toll-free verification.

Double check your Opt-in Flow and Call-to-Action for compliance. Important note: the end-business should collect the end-user consent itself, and not use consent acquired from a third party in any way.

ISV/Reseller - Optional

Highly recommended. If this TFN has an ISV business involved, please indicate the ISV name in this field as this will drive efficiencies for bulk verification submissions for the TFN Verification Ops team.

Please note that the TFN Verification submission must be linked and refer to the end-business as the main sender and content provider, so ISV/Reseller field is only optional.

Additional Supporting Details

When relevant, add any additional details that you believe will help with the verification such as Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions links, additional onboarding controls you have, helpful links, etc. The business reason for using more than 5 TFNs is also meant to be presented in this section.

Optional field.

TFN Verification Rejection Reasons

The "Rejected" status is NOT permanent. You should be able to address the decline reasons by editing your campaign or brand details. You may then re-submit it for approval. You can learn about the specific reason for "Rejected" status in your TFN Compliance view. A Toll-free Number Verification can be either "Accepted" or "Rejected"; rejection always indicates a reason. You can edit, iterate and resubmit your rejected TFN for a new review.

triangle-exclamation
Error Code
Category
Denial Reason
Denial Description
Eligibility

1000

Submission Error

Submission Editing Timed Out

The submission editing time has expired

Eligible for Resubmission

1001

Customer Requested Cancellation

Customer Requested Cancellation

Customer requested cancellation of the submission via support

Eligible for Resubmission

1002

Submission Error

Number not provisioned to your Organization

Phone number is not properly provisioned

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1101

Business Information Issues

Business Email Address Must Use an Official Domain

The email address provided must be linked to the business official domain. Email addresses from providers such as Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and similar services may be considered if they are directly associated with the business and can be verified on the official business website. The email should clearly reflect the business name or domain to establish credibility.

Eligible for Resubmission

1102

Business Information Issues

Contact Name Must Belong to a Business Representative

The contact name must include the full first and last name of a business representative. Generic names such as 'Admin' or 'Support' are not accepted. The listed person must be authorized to act on behalf of the business.

Eligible for Resubmission

1103

Business Information Issues

Business Name Must Match Official Records

The business name provided does not match the name listed on the corporate website or official documents.

Eligible for Resubmission

1104

Business Information Issues

Official Business Registration Documents Are Required

Documentation or other proof of legitimacy is required due to discrepancies, insufficient information, or questionable details.

Eligible for Resubmission

1105

Business Information Issues

End Business Details Must Be Accurate and Complete

Submissions from ISVs must include the end business's name, contact email, and website.

Eligible for Resubmission

1106

Business Information Issues

Business Information Could Not Be Verified - Contact, Email, Address, or URL Is Invalid

A business whose information cannot be verified and clarification is needed.

Eligible for Resubmission

1107

Business Information Issues

Toll-Free Number Cannot Be Shared Across Multiple Businesses

The same Toll-Free number is being shared for multiple businesses

Eligible for Resubmission

1108

Business Information Issues

Additional Information Requested - Justification for more than 5 numbers per business

More than 5 numbers for a single business have been identified

Eligible for Resubmission

1110

Business Information Issues

Charitable Organization Must Be 501(c)(3) and Provide Valid Accreditation URL for donation solicitation

Charitable organizations soliciting donations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and provide a valid accreditation URL to verify their nonprofit status.

Eligible for Resubmission

1111

Business Information Issues

Doing Business As (DBA) Name Must Be Accurately Provided

The business name or brand listed in the submission does not align with the business details provided. If the company operates under a Doing Business As (DBA) name, the DBA field must be updated with the correct information.

Eligible for Resubmission

1201

Business Website Issues

Website Must Be Established and Active

The website is incomplete, hasn't launched yet, lacks sufficient business information, or does not establish credibility.

Eligible for Resubmission

1202

Business Website Issues

Social Platform Must Be Established and Active

The social platform provided is newly created, inactive, or lacks sufficient content to establish the business's credibility.

Eligible for Resubmission

1203

Business Website Issues

Website Is Password Protected or Requires Login

The provided website is password protected or requires login credentials, preventing verification of business information

Eligible for Resubmission

1204

Business Website Issues

Invalid or Inaccessible Website URL

The submitted website URL is invalid, inaccessible, or no longer active.

Eligible for Resubmission

1205

Business Website Issues

Business website URL must display branding

The provided URL does not reflect the business name or branding, making it unverifiable. Unique system-generated URLs, such as those from third-party e-commerce platforms or URL shorteners, will not be accepted unless they clearly establish a connection to the business.

Eligible for Resubmission

1206

Business Website Issues

Privacy Policy or Terms & Conditions URL Is Missing, Inaccessible, or Lacks Content

The privacy policy and/or terms and conditions URL is not accessible/ was not provided/ has no content

Eligible for Resubmission

1301

Message Program Detail Issues

Independent Software Vendor (ISV) or Reseller Name Must Be Provided

The end business is using an ISV but the field remains blank

Eligible for Resubmission

1302

Message Program Detail Issues

Projected Message Volume Exceeds Use Case Limits

The requested message volume is disproportionately high for the stated use case or business size.

Eligible for Resubmission

1303

Message Program Detail Issues

Use Case and Use Case Summary Inconsistent

Use Case does not align with Use Case Summary

Eligible for Resubmission

1304

Message Program Detail Issues

Use Case Summary is Incomplete

Use case summary is very generic and/or incomplete.

Eligible for Resubmission

1305

Message Program Detail Issues

Opt-In Workflow Must Match the Submission Details

The opt-in workflow mentioned differs from the opt-in provided.

Eligible for Resubmission

1306

Message Program Detail Issues

Message Content Does Not Align with Use Case or is Incomplete

The production message content must match the approved use case and include all required details.

Eligible for Resubmission

1307

Message Program Detail Issues

HELP Keyword Response Must Meet Compliance Requirements

The HELP response provided is non-compliant.

Eligible for Resubmission

1308

Message Program Detail Issues

Age-Gated Program Not Properly Identified in Submission

The program includes age-gated content, but the required age restriction selection was not properly indicated in the submission.

Eligible for Resubmission

1309

Message Program Detail Issues

Political Campaigns Must Have a Campaign Verify Token

All political messaging campaigns will soon be required to have a Campaign Verify token. Campaign Verify is a nonpartisan service that verifies the identity of political organizations and candidates. This verification is mandatory to ensure transparency and compliance with messaging regulations. Political campaigns that do not have a Campaign Verify token will not be accepted. Customers will be notified once this requirement is enforced.

Eligible for Resubmission

1310

Message Program Detail Issues

Political Campaigns Must Submit an FEC Committee ID or State-Level Equivalent

Political candidates and organizations are required to submit a valid Federal Election Commission (FEC) Committee ID for federal-level campaigns. For state-level campaigns, a valid state committee registration number or equivalent documentation must be provided.

Eligible for Resubmission

1311

Message Program Detail Issues

Confirmation Message Missing Required Details

Recurring messaging campaigns must send a confirmation message after opt-in, clearly stating enrollment, opt-out instructions, and key details.

Eligible for Resubmission

1401

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Single Opt-In for Multiple Use Cases Is Not Allowed

A single opt-in cannot cover multiple use case types (e.g., promotional and informational). Each use case must have a separate opt-in to ensure users are fully aware of and consent to the specific types of messages they will receive. Combining use cases violates user choice and consent.

Eligible for Resubmission

1402

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Consent for Messaging Cannot Be Part of Other Agreements

Messaging consent must not be bundled into unrelated agreements such as terms and conditions, privacy policies, or general account agreements. Consent must be explicit, standalone, and directly related to the messaging use case.

Eligible for Resubmission

1403

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Marketing Messages Require Express Written Consent

Marketing messages require explicit written consent, which cannot be implied or verbal unless explicitly accompanied by written confirmation. Users must clearly understand they are agreeing to receive promotional or advertising communications.

Eligible for Resubmission

1404

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Agreeing to Receive Messages Must Be Optional

Users must not be required to opt-in to receive messages as a condition for completing unrelated actions (e.g., creating an account, making a purchase). Messaging consent must be optional and separate.

Eligible for Resubmission

1405

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-Ins Must Clearly Reflect the End Business

Opt-ins submitted by ISVs must clearly identify the end business collecting consent.

Eligible for Resubmission

1406

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-In Does Not Match the Use Case

The opt-in provided does not align with the use case described in the submission, or the use case described in the submission is not explicitly stated in the messaging consent. For example, the opt-in references marketing messages, but the use case summary in the submission states it is for account notifications.

Eligible for Resubmission

1407

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-In Checkbox is Pre-selected

Pre-selected options for consent do not qualify as valid opt-ins because they fail to provide users with a clear choice to consent

Eligible for Resubmission

1408

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-In URL Not Accessible

The opt-in URL provided is either inaccessible, hidden behind a login page, or does not lead to the intended opt-in content.

Eligible for Resubmission

1409

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-In Example Must Be Complete, Branded, and Legible

The opt-in example provided is cropped, incomplete, or lacks branding to identify the business collecting consent. The text in the image is illegible.

Eligible for Resubmission

1410

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Verbal Consent Script Must Be Provided for Approval

For verbal consent, a detailed script is required to demonstrate how users are informed and how their consent is collected. Without this, compliance cannot be verified.

Eligible for Resubmission

1411

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-In Consent Cannot Be Reused or Shared Across Programs

Consent cannot be transferred or shared between businesses or for use cases other than the one explicitly specified during the opt-in process. Each business must collect consent directly from the end user for their specific messaging.

Eligible for Resubmission

1412

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Age Gate Not Present or Does Not Meet Requirements

Messages promoting products or services that require age verification must include a robust age gate to restrict access to underage users

Eligible for Resubmission

1413

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-in - Consent for Messaging is a Requirement for Service

The opt-in language is missing or is not clearly requesting consent for messaging to the end user.

Eligible for Resubmission

1414

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-in - No Opt-in Provided

No opt-in URL or image was provided

Eligible for Resubmission

1415

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Opt-in Relies on Organizational or Government Exemption. Valid Opt-in is Required for All Toll-free Submissions

The opt-in provided relies on organizational or government exemption

Eligible for Resubmission

1416

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Double Opt-in Required for Intended Use Case

The intended use case submitted requires a double opt-in

Eligible for Resubmission

1417

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Shopping Cart Reminder Programs Must Comply with Opt-In, Privacy, and Messaging Standards

Shopping cart reminder message programs must adhere to specific opt-in, privacy, and content requirements. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in denial of the message program.

Eligible for Resubmission

1418

Opt-in and Consent Issues

Call-to-Action Missing Required Disclosures

The Call-to-Action (opt-in) must clearly inform consumers about the messaging campaign and ensure proper consent.

Eligible for Resubmission

1501

Privacy Policy or Terms and Conditions Issues

Privacy Policy Required if Personal Data Is Collected

Businesses that collect personal data must provide a publicly accessible privacy policy that clearly explains how data is collected, stored, and used.

Eligible for Resubmission

1502

Privacy Policy or Terms and Conditions Issues

Privacy Policy Mentions Sharing of Personal Data

The privacy policy includes language that indicates personal data may be shared, sold, or rented to third parties

Eligible for Resubmission

1503

Privacy Policy or Terms and Conditions Issues

Opt-In Data Cannot Be Shared, Transferred, Rented, or Sold to Third Parties

Opt-in consent must be a direct 1:1 agreement between the consumer and the message sender. Sharing, transferring, renting, or selling opt-in data to third parties is strictly prohibited.

Eligible for Resubmission

1504

Privacy Policy or Terms and Conditions Issues

SMS Terms and Conditions Must Be Accessible and Compliant

SMS Terms and Conditions must be accessible and include all necessary program details.

Eligible for Resubmission

1601

High Risk

High Risk - Known Spam Campaign

The submitted business or messaging content has been flagged as part of a known spam campaign or associated with fraudulent activity.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1602

High Risk

High Risk - Submission Contains Fraudulent or Misleading Content

The submission contains fraudulent or misleading content, which is not permitted.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1603

High Risk

High Risk - Known Phishing Campaign

The business or messaging content has been flagged as part of a known phishing campaign or associated with fraudulent activity

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1604

High Risk

High Risk - Submission Flagged for High-Risk Domain Reputation

The submitted website domain has been flagged for a high-risk reputation, indicating potential association with fraudulent or unsafe activity.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1605

High Risk

High Risk - Submission Flagged for Potential Fraud Risk

A business related to fraudulent activity

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1606

High Risk

High Risk - Submission Contains Deceptive Marketing Practices

Messages promoting deceptive marketing content

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1607

High Risk

High Risk - Public URL Shorteners Are Not Allowed; Use a Branded URL

The website URL was created using a public URL shortener service

Eligible for Resubmission

1608

High Risk

High Risk - Non-Secured URLs (http://) Are Not Allowed

Website's URL does not use encryption to protect information and could expose users to potential risks

Eligible for Resubmission

1609

High Risk

High Risk - Submission Flagged for High-Risk Domain Issues

URLs that are flagged during a domain inspection are considered high risk

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1701

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Cannabis, CBD, or Other Illegal Substances

Messages promoting federally illegal substances, including marijuana, THC products, or CBD products.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1702

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content – Prescription Drugs or Controlled Substances

Messages promoting prescriptions drugs or controlled substances

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1703

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Loan Marketing

Messages promoting payday loans, high-interest lending, or cash advances.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1704

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Third-Party Debt Collection

Messages sent by third-party agencies attempting to collect debts on behalf of other companies or institutions are not permitted

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1705

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Gambling or Betting

Messages promoting gambling activities, including online casinos, betting, or lotteries, are strictly prohibited.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1706

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Sweepstakes or Contests

Messages promoting sweepstakes, contests, or giveaways.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1707

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Stock Alerts

Messages providing stock alerts, market updates, or investment notifications are not permitted.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1708

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Cryptocurrency

Messages promoting cryptocurrency sales, trading platforms, wallets, or investment opportunities.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1709

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Risk Investment Opportunities

Messages promoting high-risk investments that can result in significant financial losses

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1710

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Debt Reduction or Debt Consolidation

Messages promoting services related to debt reduction or debt consolidation

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1711

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Credit Repair

Messages promoting credit repair businesses

Not Eligible for Resubmission

1712

Disallowed Content

Disallowed Content - Third-Party Lead Generation or Multi-Level Marketing

Messages promoting third-party lead generation services or multi-level marketing (MLM) programs are not permitted.

Not Eligible for Resubmission

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