Reassigned Numbers Database (RND API): Everything You Need to Know  

Every telemarketer has faced this situation: you have consent and call a number expecting to reach a prospect, only to hear an annoyed voice telling you, “Wrong number.” You apologize and hang up, but the worry sets in. What if the number was reassigned? Could you now be at risk for violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)? This concern is a daily reality for businesses relying on phone outreach. Mistakes can lead to hefty fines, wasted time, and compliance complications. However, the Reassigned Numbers Database (RND) helps mitigate these risks by ensuring businesses don’t call numbers reassigned to new users.

This guide covers what RND is, its benefits, and how it helps businesses maintain compliance while improving call efficiency.

What Is the Reassigned Numbers Database (RND)?   

The RND was established to prevent businesses from mistakenly calling numbers that have changed ownership. Since January 27, 2021, service providers have been required to track and report disconnected numbers, feeding this data into the database.

By checking the RND before making calls, businesses can determine whether a previously authorized number has been reassigned, reducing the risk of calling someone without consent.

The Growing Problem of Reassigned Numbers   

Millions of phone numbers are reassigned each year. According to the FCC, approximately 35 million numbers are disconnected annually. Many of these numbers end up with new users, creating compliance challenges for businesses that rely on phone outreach.

Previously, businesses had no reliable way to determine whether a number had been reassigned. Telemarketers, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and other organizations would continue to contact numbers they believed belonged to the same customers. This led to frustrated consumers, legal complaints, and increased fines under TCPA regulations.

With the introduction of the Reassigned Numbers Database (RND), businesses now have a powerful tool to verify that they are calling the right contacts. By incorporating RND checks into their workflows, companies can significantly reduce compliance risks and improve operational efficiency.

Why Reassigned Numbers Create Problems   

1. Risk of TCPA Violations   

Calling a reassigned number without consent can result in significant penalties. Even a few misdialed calls can lead to thousands of dollars in fines, especially for companies running high-volume campaigns. For small businesses, these costs can be especially damaging.

2. Decreased Productivity   

Calling invalid numbers wastes time and resources. Sales and customer service teams end up dialing numbers that lead to dead ends instead of real opportunities. Over time, this inefficiency can hurt morale, making employees feel like their efforts are going nowhere.

3. Complex Compliance Regulations   

Staying compliant with TCPA is already challenging, but businesses must also navigate additional federal and state Do Not Call (DNC) regulations. Thirteen states have their own DNC rules, adding further complexity. Avoiding compliance issues becomes much harder without a system like RND in place.

Who Should Use the Reassigned Numbers Database?   

The Reassigned Numbers Database (RND) is essential for any business communicating with customers via phone calls or text messages. It ensures that outreach efforts are directed at the right people while reducing the risk of TCPA violations and wasted resources. Below are the industries that benefit most from using the RND.

1. Telemarketing and Call Centers   

Call centers operate at high volumes, making compliance with TCPA and Do Not Call (DNC) regulations critical. One wrong call to a reassigned number can lead to hefty fines and damage a company’s reputation.

How RND Helps:

• Prevents calls to reassigned numbers, reducing TCPA risks.
• Improves call center efficiency by ensuring agents connect with the right individuals.
• Avoids wasted resources on invalid or incorrect numbers.
• Enhances customer trust by ensuring businesses are reaching those who have opted in.

Example:

A telemarketing company running an outbound campaign for a new service can use RND to verify numbers before dialing, preventing complaints and compliance issues.

2. Financial Institutions   

Banks, credit unions, and lenders frequently contact customers regarding account updates, loan approvals, payment reminders, and fraud alerts. A reassigned number could mean sensitive financial information is sent to the wrong person, violating privacy laws.

How RND Helps:

• Ensures financial notifications reach the intended recipient.
• Prevents miscommunication regarding loan approvals, overdraft notices, or fraud warnings.
• Reduces the risk of privacy breaches that could result in lawsuits or regulatory fines.
• Maintains compliance with financial industry regulations, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Example:

A bank sends automated fraud alerts via SMS. Checking the RND ensures the alert reaches the correct customer, avoiding a privacy violation.

3. Healthcare and Medical Providers   

Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and insurance companies often send appointment reminders, prescription refill notifications, and billing statements. Contacting the wrong person can violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

How RND Helps:

• Ensures private medical information is not shared with unauthorized individuals.
• Reduces the risk of HIPAA violations and potential lawsuits.
• Improves patient engagement by ensuring timely communication.
• Prevents missed appointments due to incorrect contact details.

Example:

A pharmacy sends out automated texts reminding patients to refill prescriptions. Using RND ensures the message goes to the right person, preventing miscommunication.

4. Debt Collection Agencies   

Debt recovery professionals must be cautious about whom they contact. Calling a reassigned number could lead to harassment claims, legal trouble, and regulatory fines.

How RND Helps:

• Ensures debt collectors are reaching the right debtor, reducing compliance risks.
• Prevents lawsuits related to wrongful collection attempts.
• Helps agencies maintain a professional reputation by avoiding mistaken calls.
• Improves efficiency by focusing on valid, actionable leads.

Example:

A collection agency looking to contact a past-due account holder can use RND to confirm that the phone number still belongs to that person before attempting to collect.

5. E-Commerce and Retail Businesses   

Online retailers and delivery services rely on accurate contact details to update customers about orders, shipping, and promotions. If a number is reassigned, customers may not receive critical updates, leading to confusion and negative reviews.

How RND Helps:

• Ensures customers receive order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery notifications.
• Prevents promotional messages from being sent to unintended recipients, avoiding spam complaints.
• Improves customer satisfaction by ensuring timely communication.
• Helps companies comply with SMS marketing regulations.

Example:

An online store uses SMS notifications for order tracking. RND verification ensures the buyer gets their shipping update instead of an unintended recipient.

6. Utility and Service Providers   

Energy companies, water utilities, and telecom providers frequently contact customers for billing reminders, service disruptions, and emergency alerts. A reassigned number can lead to service miscommunications.

How RND Helps:

• Ensures that customers receive important billing and service outage alerts.
• Prevents compliance issues with customer notification regulations.
• Reduces customer frustration by ensuring messages reach the right recipient.

Example:

A power company uses automated calls for outage alerts. Checking RND helps ensure these updates reach the right customers instead of a new phone number owner.

7. Government Agencies and Public Services   

Government offices and agencies send official notices, reminders, and emergency alerts via phone and text. Sending information to reassigned numbers can cause miscommunication and privacy concerns.

How RND Helps:

• Ensures important notices reach the correct individuals.
• Reduces the risk of sending private government-related messages to unintended recipients.
• Helps prevent miscommunication in time-sensitive situations.

Example:

A local government office sends property tax reminders via SMS. Using RND prevents notices from going to reassigned numbers, reducing confusion and late payments.

8. Educational Institutions   

Schools and universities send parents and students information about school closures, deadlines, and emergency alerts. A reassigned number can mean a parent or student misses important updates.

How RND Helps:

• Ensures communication between schools and families remains accurate.
• Prevents critical updates from being sent to unintended recipients.
• Improves student engagement through reliable outreach.

Example:

A university sends out tuition deadline reminders via text. Checking RND ensures the message reaches the right student.

9. Real Estate Agencies   

Realtors and property managers often contact clients about showings, lease renewals, and property updates. A reassigned number could mean a lost deal or miscommunication with a tenant.

How RND Helps:

• Ensures real estate agents are contacting the right buyers, sellers, and tenants.
• Reduces lost opportunities due to reassigned numbers.
• Prevents miscommunication about property availability or lease details.

How RND Helps Protect Established Business Relationships (EBR)

Businesses are often exempt from contacting customers with a recent transactional history (typically within 18 months). However, if a customer’s phone number has been reassigned, that exemption no longer applies.

For example, if a customer purchased a product last year but changed their phone number, it could now be a compliance risk since the new owner didn’t permit you to contact them. Checking the RND beforehand ensures businesses are still reaching the correct contact.

Why Is Searchbug’s RND API Better Than FCC-direct RND?   

1. Free API Testing   

Why commit before knowing if an API fits your needs? Searchbug allows businesses to test the API at no cost. This will enable you to check performance, response speed, and integration before deciding. Unlike the FCC’s RND, which lacks free testing, Searchbug ensures businesses can evaluate compliance tools risk-free.

2. No Complicated Application Process   

The FCC requires multiple forms and an approval process that can take several days. Searchbug simplifies access with just a Letter of Authorization (LOA). No extensive paperwork or delays—businesses can start checking phone numbers and stay compliant with minimal effort.

3. No Signup Fees or Lock-in Subscriptions   

The FCC requires businesses to purchase a subscription, even if their usage is low; they have to “use it or lose it”. Searchbug removes that burden with a pay-per-use model. There are no mandatory monthly, quarterly, or annual contracts—you pay only for the queries you send, making it a budget-friendly alternative.

4. Flexible Pay-Per-Use Model   

Searchbug’s pricing is based on actual usage. You only pay for the queries you run, preventing wasted spending. The FCC charges recurring fees regardless of usage, making Searchbug the cost-effective choice for businesses with variable query volume.

5. Volume-Based Discounts   

The more searches you run in a month, the lower your cost per query. Unlike the FCC’s model, which requires upfront commitments, Searchbug provides automatic savings as your query volume increases, allowing businesses to scale efficiently.

6. Non-Expiring  Balances

Searchbug prepaid balances never expire. Once you deposit funds, it is available until you use it all. The FCC does not offer this flexibility—forcing businesses into ongoing payment cycles. Searchbug provides full control over compliance budgeting.

7. Faster and More Efficient Processing   

FCC approval can take up to seven business days before access is granted. Searchbug gets you approved within 1-2 business days, letting businesses start querying numbers faster. This efficiency helps companies reduce compliance risks and improve operational workflows.

8. Safe Harbor Protection   

TCPA fines can be expensive, but Safe Harbor Protection helps businesses stay compliant when checking reassigned numbers correctly. Searchbug ensures that companies using the RND API properly are legally covered, minimizing the risk of compliance-related lawsuits. To use the RND API, you must submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA), which Searchbug sends to the FCC to confirm your authorization for running queries. Safe Harbor Protection only applies after submitting the LOA.

9. Query Tracking with &REF Parameter   

Searchbug’s API includes an &REF parameter, allowing businesses to easily track their queries and monitor compliance records. This built-in tracking simplifies reporting and billing accuracy, something the FCC’s RND does not offer.

Data Provided by Searchbug’s RND API   

When querying a phone number, Searchbug’s RND API delivers three possible responses:

• YES: The phone number was permanently disconnected or reassigned after the date of consent. The safe harbor does not apply, and contacting this number could lead to compliance risks.
• NO: The phone number has not been permanently disconnected or reassigned after the date of consent. Safe harbor may apply, meaning it is safe to contact this number.
• NO_DATA: The phone number was not permanently disconnected, and the date of consent was before January 27, 2021. The safe harbor does not apply.

Having clear, straightforward results helps businesses make informed decisions and stay TCPA-compliant while reaching out to customers.

Final Thoughts   

The Reassigned Numbers Database is more than just a compliance tool—it’s a business asset. It helps companies avoid fines, protect their reputations, and maximize customer outreach efforts. Whether you operate a call center, financial institution, or e-commerce business, verifying phone numbers before calling ensures your marketing and customer service efforts remain efficient and legally compliant.

With flexible API access and pay-per-query pricing, Searchbug offers a practical solution for businesses of all sizes. Register for a free API test account today and submit your Letter of Authorization to start protecting your outreach efforts from reassigned number risks.