Compliance

Compliance Guidelines for Automated Calls

Compliance is more than a legal requirementβ€”it’s essential for responsible engagement with your audience. At RoboCent, we take compliance seriously, and so should you. Below are key guidelines to follow for your automated call campaigns.

Quick Guide: How to Make Your Voice Script FCC-Compliant

  1. Identification Requirements:

    • Start: Clearly state the name of the responsible entity at the beginning of the message.

    • End: Include the caller’s name and valid phone number at the end of the message. The phone number must be able to receive do-not-call requests during business hours.

  2. Keypad Opt-Out Requirement:

    • Provide a keypress opt-out option (e.g., "Press 9 to opt out").

    • The opt-out option must be offered within 2 seconds of identifying the caller.

    • Include clear instructions on how to use the opt-out mechanism.

  3. Voicemail Requirements:

    • If leaving a voicemail, provide a toll-free number for opt-out requests.

    • The phone number provided must accept inbound voicemail.

  4. Call Frequency Limitations:

    • Political or nonprofit organizations may place up to three robocalls to the same number within any 30-day period without prior express consent.

  5. Follow state and local regulations in addition to FCC rules.

Putting It All Together: A Compliant Script Example

START: Hi, this is {name} calling on behalf of {org name}. Press 9 to Opt-Out of future calls. MIDDLE: [script contents]

END: {org name} is responsible for this contents of this message, phone number {xxx-xxx-xxxx}.

Click the audio below to listen to an example of a complaint RoboCall.


Detailed Compliance Guidelines

Identification Requirements

Every automated call routed through our system must adhere to clear identification protocols:

  1. Initial Identification: At the beginning of each message, the entity responsible for the call must be clearly identified.

  2. Closing Disclaimer: At the end of your message, it's mandatory to state who initiated the call. The disclaimer should also include a valid, active phone number that is managed by the responsible organization.

  3. Voicemail Capability: The phone number provided in your disclaimer must have the ability to receive and record inbound voicemail messages.

Sample Message: "Hello, this is [name] on behalf of [organization's legal name]. ... This call has been paid for and authorized by [organization's legal name]. For more information, you can reach us at [10-digit phone number]."

Reminder: Automated calls to cell phones are illegal without written consent.

Our Phone List Scrubber ensures your compliance.

  • State Laws: Compliance requirements can vary by jurisdiction. Always consult your local and state laws to ensure full compliance.

  • Universal Requirement: Even if your state doesn't mandate a disclaimer, you will still need to include one when using our services.

FCC Guidelines

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has outlined specific identification prerequisites for all prerecorded voice messages. If a business or corporate entity is initiating the call, the official registered business name must be included in the prerecorded message. The phone number of the said entity should also be provided within the message.

Penalties

Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in hefty fines. The FCC stipulates penalties up to $16,000 per violation. RoboCent strictly enforces these compliance requirements, and there are absolutely no exceptions for non-compliance.

For more in-depth details, please consult the official FCC documentation here.


Mandatory Keypad Opt-Out

To comply with FCC regulations, it's essential that your audio message includes an option for contacts to opt out of receiving further messages. Below are the steps to ensure your campaign is fully compliant:

  • Keypad Opt-Out Requirement: Your pre-recorded audio must specify a keypad digit for contacts to opt out (e.g., "Press 9 to opt out"). This is not optional and is necessary for RoboCent to manage your Do-Not-Call list effectively.

  • FCC-Compliant Audio: If your audio does not contain a "Press X to opt-out" message, you may request us to add one. We will add a 5-second FCC-compliant segment, potentially affecting your billing bracket.

Adherence to this mandate ensures compliant and responsible messaging.


Call Frequency Limitation

Adherence to call frequency is essential for responsible campaigning. Political and nonprofit organizations may make up to three robocalls to the same phone number within any 30-day period. If you exceed this limit, express consent is required.


Responsibility and Compliance Overview

Legal Responsibility

As an interactive computer service, RoboCent Inc. provides the platform that enables you to send automated messages. However, we do not create, provide, upload, schedule, or initiate any content or transmissions. We do not determine the content, timing, or recipients of your messages. The full legal responsibility for the content, contact data, timing, and initiation of messages lies entirely with you, the user.

By using our platform, you acknowledge and agree that it is your sole legal responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and rules governing automated calls and messages. This includes, but is not limited to, the updated Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations effective July 20, 2023, as well as any relevant state and federal requirements in the jurisdictions where you are transmitting messages.

User Compliance Commitment

You agree to stay fully informed about all FCC, state, and federal requirements for transmitting automated calls and messages, including any changes to these regulations. It is imperative that you take all necessary steps to ensure that all users of your account adhere to these legal obligations.

Please note that the guidelines provided on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting official legal sources or legal counsel to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

RoboCent Inc. shall bear no responsibility or liability for any actions, omissions, or violations that occur through your account. You are solely responsible for any legal consequences arising from your use of our platform. By adhering to these compliance requirements, you help ensure the success of your campaigns and uphold the standards that make RoboCent your trusted partner in automated messaging.

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