Phone number verification is an important process that helps ensure you are reaching the right people at all times. Using reliable phone validation tools can improve user databases, prevent fraud and boost lead quality.

A phone number check is a service that checks whether a given phone number adheres to the formatting rules set by the relevant country’s network carrier and whether it is structurally correct. This process also helps identify disconnected and inactive phone numbers.

How to Check Phone Numbers for Accuracy and Validity

In addition to basic validation, phone number lookups can provide more detailed information such as the subscriber name and line type (landline, mobile/cellular, or VOIP). This data is used for better customer experience and business intelligence purposes. For example, when a user provides their phone number during an account sign up or a transaction, it can be helpful to verify that the number is active and can be reached at that time.

There are free and paid phone number verification services available. The difference is that paid services often have more comprehensive and accurate data. They also tend to have more features and a faster turnaround. Free services are good for businesses that need to validate a small amount of data and may offer limited information in return.

Experian offers a real-time phone number validation API that can run on your website or form, checking numbers as they are being entered. This can save you from wasting valuable productive time calling inactive or disconnected numbers and prevents fraudulent activities by ensuring that users’ explicit consent to be contacted at a particular number has been provided.