Insights

When a Wrong Number Becomes a Regulatory Risk 

Jul 17, 2025

One wrong number can trigger more than a dropped call — it can trigger legal risk, customer frustration or a costly fine. In regulated industries like financial services, the pressure to maintain accurate contact data isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about compliance. 

For Compliance Leaders, number accuracy is no longer a back-office function. It’s a frontline defense. 

Reassigned Numbers Are a Quiet but Costly Threat 

If you’re calling a number that’s been disconnected and potentially reassigned, you’re putting your institution at risk — even if your intent is good. Under the Telecommunications Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), you must have consent to contact the right person. If that number belongs to someone else now, your business could face liability. 

What the Data Tells Us 

In 2023, the FBI’s IC3 received over 880,000 fraud-related complaints, totaling $12.5 billion in losses. Among them, a significant share stemmed from spoofing, phishing and misdirected calls. 

For financial institutions already navigating TCPA compliance, this makes accuracy not just critical — but urgent. 

You can’t afford to guess who’s on the other end of the line.  Through our RealAgent® solution, you can have confidence that you’re contacting your intended recipient. — By validating number status in real time, RealAgent supports: 

• Consumer identity validation
• Documented compliance with TCPA regulations
• Reduced legal exposure and gain safe harbor 

Schedule a demo today to see how RealAgent can help you verify consumer identity and ensure compliance. Email us at connect@somos.com to get started!