Call Forwarding - Alternative Options for Compliance

Lists alternative ways to set up your own call forwarding for SMS compliance if you don't want Recart's default.

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.
• Go to Settings > Linked Numbers.
• Enable Call Forwarding to a business or support number.

RingCentral:

• Log in to RingCentral.
• 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.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Recart Support team. We'd be happy to help!