The email address verification API  status refers to whether a number is a valid, reachable phone number or not. It isn’t uncommon for persons to switch from one phone carrier to another for better service, rates or promotions. When this happens, the original carrier deactivates the number and reassigns it to a new user. This process can take as little as two days. Inactive numbers cannot be reached when called, and dial tones or automated messages often greet those who call them. When businesses send a text message to an inactive number, it is considered spam by the FCC and could result in significant fines for violating TCPA regulations.

The best way to know if a phone number is valid or active is to use a real-time verification tool that checks the line type, carrier and prepaid or postpaid status in a non-disruptive ping of the questioned number. This type of tool can be easily integrated into your system and provides instant input that can be verified at the point of entry to your database.

Check Mobile Number Active Status: Best Tools for Accuracy

This can save valuable time and resources that would be spent on manually verifying each and every number, especially when you rely on phone numbers to prioritize leads, perform risk scoring for users or payments, or just to ensure your data is accurate and up-to-date. Invalid or dead numbers cost businesses both money and reputation, and using an automated tool to quickly confirm a phone number’s status is an efficient and cost-effective way to eliminate wasted advertising resources and keep your database clean.