Interactive SMS
LoanPro now offers an integrated two-way SMS tool that allows agents and borrowers to communicate directly and send both preset and custom messages to borrowers quickly.
Here's a basic rundown of how to integrate Interactive SMS:
- Meet with a LoanPro representative to discuss the necessary information you will need for sign up and how Interactive SMS will increase efficiency. Ensure that your business complies with carrier brand requirements.
- Use our templates to create messages and determine use cases. Texts can be sent off by event-based or automated notifications, giving you both granular control over when texts send and the power of our automation tools.
- Configure the opt-in settings for borrowers. Our rules engine will check that borrowers have opted in to the program before sending any messages.
- Submit your Brand and Campaign along with ensuring that your business follows all SMS regulations found in the compliance section below.
The following information will assist you in completing the steps required for integration of our SMS tool, including set up, configuring messages, and managing communications.
Prerequisites
Before you begin an SMS campaign, review the following items:
Brand requirements
Carriers want to know who is sending SMS on their network. If you do not have these your registration will be delayed until they are added.
- Your own domain of webpages where the borrower can view:
- CTA
- Privacy Policy
- T&C
- Company Description
- Support email or Toll free number
- Email cannot be a gmail or any other free email service
- Support Operation Hours
- Support email: “@yourbusiness” domain must be your business name.
- An official letterhead documentation to describing the brand and explain what type of lending the brand does
Brand Details
- Every Brand requires the following items:
- Legal Company Name
- DBA or Brand Name
- Country of Registration
- Type of Organization
- Tax Number/ID/EIN
- Tax Number Issuing Country
- Address/Street, State, City, Region, Postal Code/Zip Code
Timeline
The timeline below showcases the steps of Interactive SMS from form to deployment.
Getting started
The sign up process will begin with a meeting with a LoanPro representative to discuss the value of Interactive SMS, along with necessary steps and compliance. After reviewing the following information, fill out the SMS campaign application.
Registration form questions
To fill out the application, we'll need some information about how you'll use SMS.
- Name of TPM/AE: The LoanPro Technical Project Manager or Account Executive with whom you are working.
- Your point of contact: The person LoanPro will reach out to with questions or issues.
- Contact info for the point of contact: The contact’s phone number and email address.
- Contact info: Your company's name, contact number, and address.
- If you have a legal name and a DBA/brand name, we'll need both.
- Are you a public or private company?
- Addresses must include the street number, city, state/province, ZIP/postal code, and country.
- Direct Lender Letter: Carriers want a written statements with an official letterhead indicating that you are a direct lender.
- Employer identification number (EIN)
- Company short description: A brief phrase or slogan that describes your company.
- Company description: A short description of what you do and what you offer customers.
- Countries of operation: Whether you'll operate in the U.S., Canada, or both.
- Number type: Whether you'll use a short code or
- number.
- Short code: Five to six-digit phone numbers. They can take between 10-12 weeks to set up after campaign registration, and they're unlikely to be blocked by your borrowers' phone carriers. It is commonly used for the following use cases:
- Two way SMS: Allows communication between the lender and borrower.
- Allows for a higher throughput of messages then standard 10DLC.
- Option for a “Vanity” Short Code, allowing for a more personalized experience with your borrowers. Example: 7-Eleven is 711711.
- Great for marketing campaigns, such as announcements to a holiday sales event.
- Good for running promotions to your customer base, such as offering 10% off an item this weekend only.
- Long code: Standard ten-digit phone numbers. They can take between 8-10 weeks to set up after campaign registration and are more likely to be blocked. They are commonly used for the following use cases:
- Two way SMS: Allows communication between the lender and borrower.
- Define a local area code, which is great for serving a local customer base.
- Perform customer reminders for cases such as an upcoming payment, a late payment, or even a payment return.
- Send customer care messages such as wishing a customer a happy birthday or happy holidays.
- A completed LOA form must be filled out to successfully migrate a 10DLC or Short Code currently in use to continue to be used within the Interactive SMS offering.
- Short code: Five to six-digit phone numbers. They can take between 10-12 weeks to set up after campaign registration, and they're unlikely to be blocked by your borrowers' phone carriers. It is commonly used for the following use cases:
- Company primary website URL
- Company SMS terms and conditions: Submit a URL of your terms and conditions for compliance. See examples below.
- Company SMS privacy policy: Submit a URL of your privacy policy for compliance. See examples below.
- Customer support information: Any website, toll-free number, or other tools you use to handle customer support.
- Use case description: The type of messages you'll be sending, such as account notifications or advertisements.
- Call to action details: How your customers will sign up and consent to receive messages. See examples below.
- Sample messages: The actual messages you'll be sending to your borrowers. (See more in the ‘Messages’ section below.)
Campaign Details
- Every Campaign requires the following items:
- Campaign Description
- T&Cs URL
- Privacy Policy URL
- Call to Action
- Subscriber Opt-in
- Confirmation MT
- Help MT
- Stop MT
- 1-3 Sample Messages
10DLC vs Short Code
Use Cases for 10DLC:
- Customer Service: 10DLC is great for businesses that need to send appointment reminders, order status updates, or customer support messages via SMS.
- Campaigns & Notifications: Brands can use 10DLC for SMS marketing, loyalty programs, promotions, or alerts, while also being able to respond to customer queries.
- Local Business Communication: Since it uses a local, familiar 10-digit number, customers often feel more comfortable interacting with it.
Benefits of 10DLC:
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than short codes, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Brand Recognition: Provides businesses with a familiar local number, which can help foster trust and increase engagement.
Drawbacks:
- Message Throughput: Though it can handle higher message volumes, 10DLC numbers may still have throughput limitations compared to short codes, which are specifically designed for high-volume use.
Use Cases for Short Codes:
- High-Volume Marketing Campaigns: Short codes are ideal for large-scale SMS marketing campaigns, especially those with millions of messages sent at once.
- Promotions & Alerts: Companies running large-scale promotions, discounts, or time-sensitive alerts often use short codes. For example, a retailer might use a short code for flash sales or limited-time offers.
- SMS Voting & Polling: Short codes are used for voting in events, TV shows, and surveys, where large volumes of people are expected to send messages at the same time.
- Emergency Alerts & Notifications: Government agencies or large enterprises use short codes to send emergency messages, safety updates, or critical alerts.
Use Cases for Short Codes:
- High-Volume Marketing Campaigns: Short codes are ideal for large-scale SMS marketing campaigns, especially those with millions of messages sent at once.
- Promotions & Alerts: Companies running large-scale promotions, discounts, or time-sensitive alerts often use short codes. For example, a retailer might use a short code for flash sales or limited-time offers.
- High Throughput: Short codes can handle large volumes of messages per second, making them ideal for high-demand situations
Drawbacks:
- Cost: Short codes are more expensive than 10DLC numbers. Costs can include set-up fees, leasing fees, and additional regulatory fees
- Approval Process: Getting a short code can be a long and bureaucratic process. You need to apply for a code, get carrier approval, and comply with a variety of regulations.
Migrating a number?
If Migrating a 10DLC or Short Code from a previous provider please fill out and attach the following applicable LOA form.
Call to action
This is where a user is providing their consent to receive messages from your or a client of yours. If it’s a website opt-in where users are entering their phone number to receive messages as consent, we would need a screenshot of the area on the website where the user is providing their phone number to receive these specific types of messages.
Call-to-action (CTA) options are methods you can use to ask borrowers for their consent to receive messages from you. To manage these messages, navigate to Users > Customer Manager > select the customer > Links & Access. Our system will check that borrowers have opted in before sending them any messages. To align with TCPA compliance following CTA's and Keyword, Email customers will be opted out by default until they text the keyword given in the CTA. For Website and Loan Contract signature LoanPro can assist in importing/defining logic around your customer base who has consented utilizing SMS to start receiving messages.
Required CTA Language
- Description of the messages end users will receive
- “Msg frequency may vary disclosure” (this disclosure must be consistent throughout the campaign, T&Cs, and Privacy Policy
- “Message & Data Rates May Apply” disclosure
- Links to both T&Cs and Privacy Policy
- STOP and HELP keywords
Below are CTA options supported by LoanPro:
- Keyword opt in: Can be placed anywhere on your website where you want your borrowers to be notified of SMS. See template below for required information.
- Email opt in: Used when you want to email blast current and new customers on how to opt into SMS. See template below for required information
- Website opt in: Borrowers can enter their phone number to receive messages as consent, LoanPro would need a screenshot of the area on the website where the borrower is providing their phone number to receive/opt in to these specific types of messages. You must explicitly call out what borrowers are opting into.
- Loan contract signature: A signed contract does not meet the opt in requirements per the carrier guidelines, You must have a section within your contract where the borrower explicitly agrees to SMS, such as checking a box or placing a not required initial.
- The key different requirements between an online and a physical contract is that in the physical contract the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions must be apart of the contract itself with the addition of links to both existing on the website.
Example:
To sign up for [brand name] SMS program, simply text start to [SC or 10dlc]. By signing up for [brand name] SMS program, you agree to receive text messages from [brand name] . You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to [SC or 10dlc]. There is no charge to sign up for [brand name] SMS program. However, standard messaging and data rates may apply. Msg Frequency May Vary. If you have any questions, or concerns, please contact customer care at [TFN] or [customer care email].
T&Cs: [link to T&Cs]
Privacy Policy [link to Privacy Policy]
CTA Templates
Below are templates available for your use. To use these templates in a message, reach out to your LoanPro contact to configure this tool.
Keyword opt-in example
Email opt-in example
Subject: New way to Stay Connected with [Tenant Name] via SMS!
Dear Valued Customer,
Exciting news! We're enhancing our communication channels to keep you informed about the latest updates, exclusive offers, and important announcements from [Tenant Name] via SMS. Here's everything you need to know about our SMS service:
Our SMS updates will provide you with timely alerts about flash sales, limited-time promotions, new product launches, and more, directly to your mobile device. [Edit this section to align with your business]
You can expect to receive SMS updates from us approximately five times per month. We'll keep it informative and relevant, ensuring you stay up-to-date without overwhelming your inbox.
Before opting in, please review our SMS Terms & Conditions [T&C Link].
Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. Review our Privacy Policy [Privacy Policy Link].
You can opt out of receiving SMS updates at any time by replying "STOP" to any message. For assistance or support, reply "HELP," and our team will be happy to assist you.
Standard message and data rates may apply. Contact your mobile service provider for details on your specific plan.
To start receiving SMS updates from [Tenant Name], simply text [Keyword] to [10DLC or Shortcode].
You will receive the following confirmation message: This # is enrolled for account notifications from [Tenant Name]. MsgFreqMayVary. Msg&DataRatesApply. Reply HELP for questions. To opt-out reply STOP
Don't miss out on exclusive offers and important updates! Opt in to our SMS service today and stay connected with [Tenant Name].
Thank you for choosing [Tenant Name]!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company]
P.S. For any questions or concerns regarding our SMS service, feel free to Reach out to us at: [Tenant Email]. We're here to help!
Website opt-in example
Online contract example
Customer Contact Information:
Customer Full Name:
Cell Phone Number:
By checking off this box and signing below the client agrees to the following:
The client hereby consents to receive SMS communications from the company. This consent includes receiving promotional offers, updates on products or services, event notifications, and other relevant communications via SMS. The client acknowledges that message frequency may vary and understands that they may receive a maximum of X messages per month. The client also acknowledges that standard message and data rates may apply, and they have reviewed and agreed to the terms outlined in the SMS signup contract. The client retains the right to cancel the SMS messaging service at any time by replying with the word "STOP" to [number provided by the company].
Signature:____________________________________________________________________
This SMS signup contract ("Contract") outlines the terms and conditions governing your enrollment in our SMS messaging service. By opting in to receive SMS messages from us, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Contract.
Description of Messages:
You will receive periodic SMS messages from us, which may include but are not limited to:
- Promotional offers
- Updates on products or services
- Event notifications
- Important announcements
Msg Frequency Disclosure:
Message frequency may vary. You may receive a maximum of X messages per month, depending on our promotional activities and communication needs.
Before opting in, please review our SMS Terms & Conditions [T&C Link].
Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. Review our Privacy Policy [Privacy Policy Link].
Reply STOP to Cancel:
You can cancel the SMS messaging service at any time by replying with the word "STOP" to the number from which you received the messages. Upon receiving your cancellation request, we will promptly cease sending you SMS messages.
Message and Data Rates Disclosure:
Standard message and data rates may apply. Please check with your mobile service provider for details regarding your messaging and data plan.
By providing your consent to receive SMS messages from us and by acknowledging and agreeing to the terms outlined in this Contract, you confirm that you are the authorized user of the mobile phone number provided and that you have read and understood the terms of this Contract.
[Your Company Name] reserves the right to modify or amend this Contract at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised Contract on our website or otherwise notifying you. Continued use of the SMS messaging service after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Contract or our SMS messaging service, please contact us at [Contact Information].
Thank you for choosing to receive SMS messages from us.
[Your Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Paper Contract Example
Customer Contact Information:
Customer Full Name:
Cell Phone Number:
By checking off this box and signing below the client agrees to the following:
The client hereby consents to receive SMS communications from the company. This consent includes receiving promotional offers, updates on products or services, event notifications, and other relevant communications via SMS. The client acknowledges that message frequency may vary and understands that they may receive a maximum of X messages per month. The client also acknowledges that standard message and data rates may apply, and they have reviewed and agreed to the terms outlined in the SMS signup contract. The client retains the right to cancel the SMS messaging service at any time by replying with the word "STOP" to [number provided by the company].
Signature:____________________________________________________________________
This SMS signup contract ("Contract") outlines the terms and conditions governing your enrollment in our SMS messaging service. By opting in to receive SMS messages from us, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Contract.
Description of Messages:
You will receive periodic SMS messages from us, which may include but are not limited to:
Promotional offers
Updates on products or services
Event notifications
Important announcements
Msg Frequency Disclosure:
Message frequency may vary. You may receive a maximum of X messages per month, depending on our promotional activities and communication needs.
Before opting in, please review our SMS Terms & Conditions Below.
Your privacy is important to us. Our Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. Review our Privacy Policy Below.
Reply STOP to Cancel:
You can cancel the SMS messaging service at any time by replying with the word "STOP" to the number from which you received the messages. Upon receiving your cancellation request, we will promptly cease sending you SMS messages.
Message and Data Rates Disclosure:
Standard message and data rates may apply. Please check with your mobile service provider for details regarding your messaging and data plan.
By providing your consent to receive SMS messages from us and by acknowledging and agreeing to the terms outlined in this Contract, you confirm that you are the authorized user of the mobile phone number provided and that you have read and understood the terms of this Contract.
[Your Company Name] reserves the right to modify or amend this Contract at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised Contract on our website or otherwise notifying you. Continued use of the SMS messaging service after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Contract or our SMS messaging service, please contact us at [Contact Information].
Thank you for choosing to receive SMS messages from us.
[Your Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]
SMS Terms and Conditions for (Tenant Name).
By opting in to receive text messages from (Tenant Name), you agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Message Frequency: You will receive a maximum of X text messages per month from (Tenant Name). These messages will pertain to billing information, reminders, and payments due.
2. Opt-Out: You can opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying "STOP" to any message you receive from (Tenant Name). Once you opt out, you will no longer receive any text messages from us, except confirmation of your opt-out request.
3. Support: For support or assistance regarding text messages, you can contact us at XXXXXX or XXXXXXXX.
4. Data and Message Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply to any messages received from (Tenant Name). Please consult your mobile service provider for details regarding your messaging and data plan.
5. Privacy: (Tenant Name). is committed to protecting your privacy. Your information will only be used for the purpose of sending you billing and payment-related messages. We will not share your information with third parties for marketing purposes without your consent.
6. Modification of Terms: (Tenant Name). reserves the right to modify or amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the modified terms and conditions on our website or through other appropriate means of communication.
7. Participating Carriers disclosure: AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, Google Voice, Cellular One, Cellcom, Cellular South, Interop, Clearsky
8. Carrier Liability: Carriers do not guarantee that alerts will be delivered and will not be liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
By opting in to receive text messages from (Tenant Name)., you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.
For more information about our privacy practices, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Thank you for choosing (Tenant Name).
Privacy Policy For (Tenant Name)
At [Your Company Name], we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share data collected through our SMS messaging service. By opting in to receive SMS messages from us, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Types of Data We Collect:
We may collect the following types of data:
Mobile phone number
Name (if provided)
Message content and responses
How We Collect Data:
We collect data directly from you when you opt in to receive SMS messages from us. This may include providing your mobile phone number and name (if provided) through a signup form or by texting a keyword to a designated number.
How We Use the Data We Collect:
We use the data collected for the following purposes:
Sending promotional offers, updates on products or services, event notifications, and other relevant communications via SMS
Analyzing engagement and effectiveness of SMS campaigns
Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
How We Store Data:
We store your data securely and take appropriate measures to protect it against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Your data is stored in encrypted databases and access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Rights and Choices Consumers Have:
You have the following rights and choices regarding your data:
You can opt out of receiving SMS messages from us at any time by replying with the word "STOP" to the number from which you received the messages.
You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us using the contact information provided below.
Sharing or Selling Data to Third Parties:
Your SMS information will not be shared or sold with any third parties.
Compliance with U.S. and Canada Laws:
We comply with applicable laws and regulations governing SMS privacy in both the United States and Canada, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the U.S. and the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) in Canada.
If you have any questions or concerns about our SMS Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at [Contact Information].
[Your Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Automated messages
In addition to your account information, you'll need to send us a document with the template messages about what and when you'd like to send them. You can write it out as a word document or spreadsheet, but make sure it contains the following information for each message:
- The text of the message: A single message can be up to 160 characters, and longer messages will be sent in multiple texts.
- The situation when the message should be sent: These messages are sent out after a trigger-based or event-based notification. If it's event-based, you just need to tell us which event sets it off. If it's trigger-based, describe the rule that should send it out.
To send out SMS messages, you'll use either automated or event-based notifications. Event-based notifications are tied to specific preset events, like a payment to be made or a status change. Automated Notifications use your own custom business logic (encoded with Clojure rules) to determine when messages should be sent (e.g., the message will be sent if the loan is 5 days past due and in an ‘Open’ status).
Before sending any messages, LoanPro will check that borrowers have opted-in to messaging.
LoanPro will notify you of previous messages, borrower replies, and new messages in the ‘Communication History’ tab. To access this tab, navigate to Loans > Borrower > Primary Borrower > Communication History. When replies are received, LMS will update accounts with a flag, portfolio, or agent notification (your choice), making it easier to service them.
Two way messaging is also available in the ‘Communication History’ tab. Click the “reply” button on the borrower’s message to send a custom response.
Default messages
The following messages are compliant and available when the sign up process is initiated. You will be able to edit these once the setup is complete.
- Confirmation MT Requirements:
- Program (brand) name
- “Msg frequency may vary disclosure” (this disclosure must be consistent throughout the campaign, T&Cs, and Privacy Policy
- “Message & Data Rates May Apply” disclosure
- STOP and HELP keywords
- Example: [Brand name]: Thanks for signing up. Msg Frequency May Vary. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply HELP for more info or STOP to unsubscribe.
- Help MT Requirements:
- Program (brand) name
- Additional customer care info such as TFN or customer care email for the business that is sending the messages
- [Brand name]: Please call [TFN or Email] for more information and we will be glad to help.
- Opt-Out MT Requirements:
- Program (brand) name
- Confirmation that no further messages will be delivered to the end user.
- Example: [Brand name]: You have been unsubscribed. No further messages will be delivered.
There must be a way for customers to opt out of your SMS service. If you want to change the default message, you must keep the keyword “STOP” as the way to unsubscribe and confirm that no further messages will be delivered.
Interactive SMS message templates
AutoPay Scheduled/Created > SMS AutoPay Enrollment Confirmation - Part 1 & 2:
(Tenant name): Thank you for choosing AutoPay. Your AutoPay set up is complete. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Welcome Message
(Customer first name), welcome to (tenant name)! We appreciate your business! Have Questions? Call us at (company phone number). Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
AutoPay Failed
Alert: The scheduled AutoPay on your (Tenant name) account has failed. Please contact us at (Company phone number) to discuss payment options. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Payment reversed
(Tenant name): Your recent payment was returned. Please call us at (Company phone number) to discuss or visit the customer portal (Tenant customer portal link) to pay. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Payment posted to account
(Tenant name): Thank you for your payment! $(last payment amount) was applied to (last payment date). Questions? Call us at (Company phone number). Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
AutoPay Enrollment - 7 Days After Contract Date
(Tenant name): Put your loan on cruise control! Enroll in autopay today. To register, visit the customer portal (Tenant customer portal link) or call us at (Company phone number). Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
AutoPay Enrollment Reminder - 5 Days Before Next Payment Date
Hi (Customer name), it's almost time for your monthly payment with (Tenant name) on (next payment date status). Would you like to set up AutoPay for your monthly payments? Contact us at (Company phone number) to enroll. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Payment Reminder - 3 Days Before Next Payment Date
(Tenant name) Payment Reminder: Hi (Customer first name), your payment of $(Next payment amount status) is due in 3 days. Need assistance? Call us at (Company phone number). Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays, (Customer first name)! Wishing you a joyous holiday season from everyone at (Tenant name). Warm regards, The (Tenant name) Team. Questions? Contact us at (Company phone number). Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday, (Customer first name)! Wishing you a fantastic day from all of us at (Tenant name). We appreciate your business and hope you enjoy your special day. Best Wishes, The (Tenant name) Team. Questions? Contact us at (Company phone number). Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Missed Payment - 1 Day Late
(Tenant name): (Customer first name), we did not receive your payment. Call us at (Company phone number) to make payment arrangements. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Missed Payment - 5 Days Late
(Tenant name): (Customer first name), your payment of $(amount due status) was due (days past due status) days ago. Please call us at (company phone number). Reply STOP to unsubscribe from messages.
Do-not-disturb settings
You can set up do-not-disturb windows. If a message tries to go out during that window, LMS will delay until the window ends, sending it at the first opening in that borrower's time zone.
To create a new do-not-disturb period for text messages:
- Navigate to Settings > Company > SMS > Do Not Disturb Settings inside your company account. Click the ‘Add’ button.
- Use the buttons on the left to choose which days will be included in the do-not-disturb period.
- Enter a time interval into the 'Start Time' and 'Stop Time' fields when SMS text messages should not be sent out by the system. Click the ‘Save’ button to save the do-not-disturb period.
When your company is set up according to the compliance standards for SMS and you have reviewed the above information, fill out the application for Interactive SMS.
Compliance
Due to SMS regulations, it is essential to follow necessary compliance steps. The following information will help you know exactly what your business needs to enable SMS.
SMS regulation overview
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) rules are periodically updated to address concerns about unsolicited communication, consumer consent requirements, and penalties for violations. The main rules to remember are:
- Obtain express written consent (see CTA section)
- Provide disclosure with a comprehensive opt-in message
- Clearly communicate terms and conditions
- Only communicate during business hours
- Include your business name in all messages
- Offer consumers a way to opt-out
- Respect the National Do Not Call Registry and honor opt-outs
Prohibited/disallowed content/lender types
The following content categories are considered deceitful and nuisance campaigns which may result in high volumes of spam complaints on the T-Mobile network. Due to these issues, we do not support any campaign under the following categories. Messaging use cases that support the disallowed content outlined below may request an official exception in writing by T-Mobile through an official T- Mobile exception approval process. Any exception that existed before September 1, 2020 should be considered invalid.
- High-risk financial services
- Payday loans
- Non-direct lenders (Excluding borrowed banking license)
- Debt collection
- Debt forgiveness
- Debt consolidation
- Debt reduction
- Credit repair programs
Privacy policy
Message Senders are responsible for protecting the privacy of Consumers’ information and must comply with applicable privacy law. Message Senders should maintain a privacy policy for all programs and make it accessible from the initial call-to-action. When a privacy policy link is displayed, it should be labeled clearly and originate on the Brand’s domain. In all cases T&Cs and privacy policy URLs must provide up-to-date, accurate information about program details and functionality.
- Privacy policy must be accessible in the call to action.
- Privacy policy must explicitly state how information is captured by site including the following:
- The types of data you collect
- How you collect the data
- How you use the data you collect
- How you store the data
- What rights and choices consumers have
- That you do not share SMS data with third parties
- If you want to operate in the U.S. and Canada, this must abide by both countries' laws on SMS Privacy.
While we cannot directly recommend what to put into your privacy policy here are some example wording that works with carriers
“All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.”
OR
“No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging origination opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
Privacy policy example
Privacy Policy For [Company Name]
At [Company Name], we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share data collected through our SMS messaging service. By opting in to receive SMS messages from us, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Types of Data We Collect:
We may collect the following types of data:
- Mobile phone number
- Name (if provided)
- Message content and responses
How We Collect Data:
We collect data directly from you when you opt in to receive SMS messages from us. This may include providing your mobile phone number and name (if provided) through a signup form or by texting a keyword to a designated number.
How We Use the Data We Collect:
We use the data collected for the following purposes:
- Sending promotional offers, updates on products or services, event notifications, and other relevant communications via SMS
- Analyzing engagement and effectiveness of SMS campaigns
- Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
How We Store Data:
We store your data securely and take appropriate measures to protect it against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Your data is stored in encrypted databases and access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Rights and Choices Consumers Have:
You have the following rights and choices regarding your data:
- You can opt out of receiving SMS messages from us at any time by replying with the word "STOP" to the number from which you received the messages.
- You can request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us using the contact information provided below.
Sharing or Selling Data to Third Parties:
Your SMS information will not be shared or sold with any third parties.
Compliance with U.S. and Canada Laws:
We comply with applicable laws and regulations governing SMS privacy in both the United States and Canada, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the U.S. and the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) in Canada.
If you have any questions or concerns about our SMS Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at [Contact Information].
[Your Company Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Terms and conditions
All carriers want to be able to access a T&Cs URL on the Brand’s domain that explains the program that is running on the SC/10dlc.
- Program/Brand Name
- “Message Frequency May Vary” Disclosure
- Description of the types of messages the subscriber would be receiving
- Customer care contact information – can use the same info provided in HELP MT message or state “Text HELP to [SC/10dlc] for more information” (the contact info must be consistent through the entire program)
Opt-out info “Text STOP to [SC/10dlc] to unsubscribe” - “Message and Data Rates May Apply” disclosure
- Participating Carriers disclosure – AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, Google Voice, Cellular One, Cellcom, Cellular South, Interop, Clearsky
- Carrier Liability – carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages
- Link to Privacy Policy
Terms and conditions must reflect the privacy policy.
Terms and conditions example
SMS Terms and Conditions for [Company Name]
By opting in to receive text messages from [Company Name], you agree to the following terms and conditions:
- Message Frequency Disclosure: You will receive a maximum of X text messages per month from [Company Name]. These messages will pertain to billing information, reminders, and payments due.
- Opt-Out: You can opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying "STOP" to any message you receive from [Company Name]. Once you opt out, you will no longer receive any text messages from us, except confirmation of your opt-out request.
- Support: For support or assistance regarding text messages, you can contact us at XXXXXX or XXXXXXXX.
- Data and Message Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply to any messages received from [Company Name]. Please consult your mobile service provider for details regarding your messaging and data plan.
- Privacy: [Company Name]. is committed to protecting your privacy. Your information will only be used for the purpose of sending you billing and payment-related messages. We will not share your information with third parties for marketing purposes without your consent.
- Modification of Terms: [Company Name]. reserves the right to modify or amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the modified terms and conditions on our website or through other appropriate means of communication.
- Participating Carriers disclosure: AT&T, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, Google Voice, Cellular One, Cellcom, Cellular South, Interop, Clearsky
- Carrier Liability: Carriers do not guarantee that alerts will be delivered and will not be liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
By opting in to receive text messages from [Company Name]., you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.
For more information about our privacy practices, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Thank you for choosing [Company Name].
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