Top 10 TCPA Tools to Mitigate Risk in 2025 and Beyond
10 Ways to Avoid TCPA Trouble
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Get Clear Permission (Consent):
- Before you call or text someone: Always get their express written consent.
- Written is Best: Written consent is strongest and the best way to avoid TCPA violations.
- Be Specific: Explain clearly what you’ll be contacting them about.
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Let People Opt-Out Easily:
- Easy to Stop: Make it simple for people to stop receiving calls or texts from you.
- Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to opt-out (e.g., reply “STOP” to a text, call a specific number, visit a website).
- Honor Requests Immediately: Stop contacting someone as soon as they request to opt-out.
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Keep a “Do Not Call” List:
- Internal List: Create and maintain a list of people who have asked not to be contacted by your company.
- Regularly Update: Keep this list up-to-date with new requests.
- Share Across Teams: Ensure everyone in your company has access to and understands the “Do Not Call” list.
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Have a Written Plan:
- Clear Guidelines: Create a written policy that outlines your company’s rules for making calls and sending texts.
- Cover All Bases: This policy should include rules about consent, opt-outs, record-keeping, and how to handle potential violations.
- Train Employees: Make sure all employees who make calls or send texts are familiar with the policy.
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Train Your Team:
- TCPA Awareness: Train employees on the basics of the TCPA and how it applies to their role.
- Company Policies: Emphasize the importance of following your company’s specific calling and texting policies.
- Consequences of Violations: Explain the potential consequences of violating the TCPA (e.g., fines, lawsuits).
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Tell People Who’s Calling:
- Caller ID: Make sure your caller ID accurately displays your company’s name.
- Text Messages: Clearly identify your company in the text message itself.
- Transparency Builds Trust: Being transparent about who you are helps build trust with potential customers.
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Check the “Do Not Call” Registry:
- National Registry: Regularly check the National Do-Not-Call Registry to ensure you’re not contacting people who have registered not to receive telemarketing calls.
- State Registries: Be aware of and comply with any applicable state “Do Not Call” registries.
- Scrub Regularly: Regularly scrub your calling lists against the “Do Not Call” registries.
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Know the Rules in Each State:
- State-Specific Laws: TCPA rules can vary by state.
- Research Requirements: Research and comply with the specific calling and texting laws in each state you operate in.
- Stay Updated: Keep up-to-date on any changes to state laws.
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Keep Track of Phone Numbers:
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of all phone numbers you have permission to contact.
- Consent Dates: Record the date and method of obtaining consent for each phone number.
- Revocation Records: Keep track of any requests to opt-out.
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Work with Vendors Carefully:
- Vendor Contracts: If you use third-party vendors for calling or texting, ensure their practices comply with the TCPA.
- Contractual Obligations: Include clauses in your vendor contracts that hold them responsible for TCPA compliance.
- Monitor Vendor Activities: Regularly monitor your vendors’ activities to ensure they are adhering to the TCPA.
Disclaimer: This is a simplified overview. For legal advice, talk to a lawyer..