> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.recart.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.recart.com/compliance-protections/alternative-call-forwarding-options-for-compliance.md).

# Call Forwarding - Alternative Options for Compliance

### Why Call Forwarding Matters

To comply with **U.S. Mini-TCPA laws and TCPA regulations**, businesses must provide a callable phone number for recipients of SMS marketing messages. **Recart ensures compliance by automatically enabling call forwarding** for businesses using **Toll-Free Numbers (TFNs) and Shortcodes**.

If you prefer to set up **your own external call forwarding solution**, you can explore the following options:

### Set Up Call Forwarding with Your Phone Carrier

If your business phone number is provided by a telecom carrier (such as **AT\&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile**), you can typically enable call forwarding through your account settings or by contacting customer support.

**Steps to Enable Call Forwarding:**

1. Log in to your business account on your carrier’s website.
2. Navigate to **Call Forwarding settings**.
3. Enter the number where you want calls to be forwarded.
4. Save and activate the settings.

📌 **Tip:** Some carriers allow advanced call forwarding, such as forwarding only during business hours or routing calls to multiple numbers.

### Using a VoIP or Virtual Business Phone System

VoIP-based phone services offer built-in call forwarding, allowing businesses to manage calls efficiently. If you are using a virtual number from **Google Voice or RingCentral**, follow these steps:

#### Google Voice:

* Sign in to [**Google Voice**.](http://voice.google.com/)
* Go to **Settings > Linked Numbers**.
* Enable **Call Forwarding** to a business or support number.

#### RingCentral:

* Log in to [**RingCentral**.](http://ringcentral.com)
* Navigate to **Call rules and Voicemail**.
* Set up call forwarding to your preferred number.

#### Why Use VoIP for Call Forwarding?

✔ Keeps business and personal calls separate.

✔ Ensures calls are answered even if you’re unavailable.

✔ Provides voicemail and call routing options.

#### Important Compliance Notes

* **Shortcodes do not support voice calls.** If your SMS marketing is tied to a shortcode, you must provide a callable alternative, such as a TFN or business number.
* **Toll-Free Numbers (TFNs) must be callable.** If you use a TFN for SMS marketing, ensure that it is forwarded to an accessible business line.
* **Failure to comply with Mini-TCPA laws** may result in fines of up to **$25,000 per violation**.

For details on **Recart’s built-in Call Forwarding solution**, visit our [Call Forwarding Setup Guide](https://help.recart.com/en/articles/call-forwarding)

If you have further questions, contact **<support@recart.com>**.


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