TCPA Compliance: 10 Things Lead Generation Companies Need to Consider

Lead generation is critical for business growth, but failing to comply with regulations can lead to costly legal problems. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) enforces strict rules, and violations can result in fines, lawsuits, and lasting damage to your brand. Could your business survive penalties as high as $10,000 per violation? Even a small mistake could cost you thousands.

This 10-step checklist will guide lead generation companies through proven ways to reduce risks, safeguard their reputation, and maintain trusted relationships with customers.

Why Lead Generation Companies Drive Business Growth   

Lead generation companies do more than just provide contact lists. They help businesses grow by identifying prospects and turning them into long-term customers. Here’s what they bring to the table:

• Focused Targeting: They help you connect with prospects who are more likely to convert.
• More Time to Close Deals: Lead generators handle the heavy lifting of finding prospects so you can focus on closing deals.
• New Market Access: They introduce your business to audiences you might not reach on your own.
• Higher Quality Leads: Their expertise ensures you’re not wasting time on low-potential contacts.
• Scalable Growth: Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, they offer growth strategies tailored to your needs.
• Compliance Coverage: They help minimize risks by keeping up with legal requirements.

When done right, lead generation saves time, cuts down on wasted effort, and builds trust.

10 Reminders to Stay Compliant with TCPA Regulations   

Ignorance of telemarketing laws is not an excuse if you get a letter saying your company is being sued for TCPA violations. Not knowing the rules could lead to severe penalties and reputational harm. Below are practical steps you can implement today to keep your lead generation efforts on the right side of the law.

1. Update Your Consent Forms 

Make sure consent forms clearly explain the type of communication you’ll send. Avoid vague language that leaves room for interpretation. Regular reviews of these forms ensure you’re staying within legal limits.

2. Secure Express Written Consent 

You must have written consent from the recipient when using automated calls or texts. Also, if you have leads on the DNC lists but want to try contacting them, you should get written and signed consent before making any outreach efforts. This step helps you avoid legal pitfalls and fines.

3. Follow Text Message Rules 

Don’t assume texts are exempt from TCPA rules. Whether you’re sending promotions, reminders, or updates, you need to follow the same standards as voice calls.

Time-of-day restrictions also apply to texts, so avoid sending them during off-hours. To ensure you contact them within the allowed timeframe, you should know the timezone of the phone number owner you’re calling.

4. Keep Consent Records 

Keep detailed records showing how and when consent was given. Storing these for at least five years protects you in the event of disputes. Digital storage options such as cloud services make it easy to access records when needed.

5. Check Do Not Call (DNC) Lists Regularly 

Scrub your contact lists against federal and state DNC databases before making any calls. Also, maintain an internal DNC list to honor consumer opt-out requests.

Set automated reminders to perform regular list updates and reduce the risk of errors.

6. Use the Reassigned Number Database 

Contacting reassigned numbers without permission is a common cause of TCPA violations. The Reassigned Number Database API checks whether numbers have changed ownership since consent was given, helping you avoid contacting individuals who haven’t agreed to receive your messages.

CRM systems can integrate RND checks to keep your contact lists clean.

7. Provide Easy Opt-Out Options 

Make it simple for consumers to opt-out of communications. Whether through a text, email, or online form, ensure you honor their request quickly.

After processing an opt-out request, send a confirmation message to let the consumer know their preference has been updated.

8. Vet Your Vendors 

If you work with external vendors, you must ensure they comply with TCPA rules. Include indemnification clauses in contracts to protect your business from liability caused by their mistakes.

Conduct periodic audits of their processes to catch potential issues early.

9. Respect Time Restrictions 

TCPA restricts calling and texting hours, and some states have stricter time rules. Know your audience’s location and avoid communications during restricted hours.

Time zone detection tools can help you automatically adjust call times.

10. Know the Source of Your Leads 

Understand where your leads are coming from to prevent issues later. Unverified leads or poorly sourced lists can lead to compliance problems.

Regular quality checks ensure your lead database remains reliable and up-to-date.

What’s Changing with TCPA in 2025?   

Several updates to TCPA compliance are expected to impact how businesses manage consent and opt-out requests. Even though the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the implementation of the One-to-one Consent Rule set by the FTC, there are still a few changes you need to prepare for this year:

1. Flexible Opt-Out Options 

Beginning April 11, 2025, you must honor informal opt-out requests. Consumers won’t have to use exact keywords like “Stop” to opt-out. Any reasonable phrase, such as “No more messages,” will need to be honored as a valid request.

Train your team to recognize various forms of opt-out requests to ensure proper handling.

2. Shorter Opt-Out Processing Times 

Also, effective April 11, 2025, businesses will need to process opt-out requests within 10 business days. This shorter timeframe means companies must have fast, reliable systems in place.

Automating the opt-out process will help you meet deadlines and avoid mistakes.

How Phone Validator Tools Can Help with TCPA Compliance   

Phone validation tools can make TCPA compliance easier and more efficient by verifying key details about the phone numbers you contact.

Here’s what these tools can do to keep your lead generation efforts compliant:

1. Phone Validator API with DNC Check   

This tool checks phone numbers against multiple databases to provide valuable compliance insights, including:

• Identify Line Type: Find out if the number is mobile, landline, or VoIP.
• Check Line Status: Ensure the number is active and not disconnected.
• Locate Time Zones: Verify the phone number’s location to avoid contact during restricted hours.
• Screen for DNC Listings: Cross-check numbers against federal and state Do Not Call (DNC) databases.
• Flag TCPA Litigators: Identify numbers linked to individuals known for filing TCPA-related lawsuits.

With Searchbug’s Phone Validator API and DNC Check, these automated checks help reduce manual work and prevent costly mistakes during outreach.

 2. Reassigned Number Database API   

A frequent source of TCPA violations comes from contacting numbers that have been reassigned to new owners. Therefore, you no longer have consent to contact that phone number. The Reassigned Number Database API solves this issue by checking to make sure you don’t contact individuals who haven’t agreed to receive your messages.

How Does the Reassigned Number Database API Work?

1. Submit a Query: Send a POST request to the API that includes the phone number and the last date of consumer consent.
2. Database Verification: The API cross-references the phone numbers against the FCC’s official Reassigned Numbers Database.
3. Receive Response Status: Get results indicating whether the phone number was disconnected or reassigned after the provided consent date.
4. Make Informed Decisions: If no disconnection or reassignment is detected, proceed confidently, knowing you’ve done your due diligence.

Results from Reassigned Number Database API   

The API returns a response of “yes,” “no,” or “no data” for each phone number checked:

• YES: The phone number was disconnected or reassigned after the provided consent date.
• NO: The phone number has not been disconnected or reassigned since consent.
• NO_DATA: No reported disconnection information is available from the provider since January 27, 2021 (when providers were required to start reporting).

The API does not supply personal information about the previous or new owner of the number, ensuring data privacy while providing compliance-ready insights.

For more information, download the RND API documentation.

Lead generation companies can minimize risks, protect themselves from fines, and maintain better relationships with their prospects using the Phone Validator API with DNC Check and the Reassigned Number Database API. These tools work together to keep contact lists accurate and compliant, making outreach more effective and less stressful.

Additional Tips to Strengthen TCPA Compliance   

• Perform Routine System Audits: Regularly review your contact lists, call scripts, and opt-out processes.
• Train Your Staff: Make sure everyone understands TCPA rules and their role in compliance.
• Use Reliable Data Sources: Partner with trustworthy data providers to minimize risks tied to unverified leads.
• Stay Informed: Laws and regulations change, so keep an eye on updates that could affect your lead generation practices.

Workshops and internal training sessions can help employees spot and correct potential issues before they escalate.

Key Takeaway 

Lead generation companies are vital to business growth, but that comes with responsibilities. Following this checklist can protect your business from fines and legal action while building strong relationships with your audience.

The 2025 TCPA changes require companies to adapt their processes, especially regarding opt-out handling. Tools like Searchbug’s Phone Validator API with DNC Check and the Reassigned Number Database API simplify compliance and help your team stay on track.

Don’t wait for a compliance issue to arise. Register for a free API test account and get $10 in credits to experience how these tools can improve your lead generation efforts while keeping you compliant. It’s one step toward peace of mind and better results.