As of May 1, 2024, all smrtPhone Account Owners must verify their identity, or their account(s) may be paused, halting all inbound and outbound communication.
Verifying your identity is an important step in smrtPhone compliance and security, for multiple reasons:
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has "KYC" requirements (which stands for 'Know Your Customer') intended to ensure that companies like smrtPhone know the identity of their users. This is mandatory for all clients on our platform, regardless of whether you operate in the U.S. or not. To satisfy our obligations to the FCC, smrtPhone uses both identity verification via government-issued ID as well as business verification. Both are important, but ID Verification happens first because it takes only minutes. Business verification can take 7+ days, but you're able to dial and use the system immediately following identity verification.
Besides following FCC and carrier regulations, we want to keep everyone on our site compliant because it lowers the risk of any disruption for all of our clients. Think of it as the "good neighbor" effect: if other smrtPhone users are following the rules, there is less of a chance of disruption from carriers due to bad behavior.
Though verifying your identity might seem unnecessary if you're already dedicated to keeping compliant, we want to ensure you that the process is easy, secure, and fast.
This article walks you through how to verify your identity. If you want to learn more about why you have to verify, please read our identity verification FAQ ⇢
Limitations of Being Unverified
Until you verify your identity, your smrtPhone account will be restricted from outbound communication. You will not be able to place any calls or send SMS. (If you are in Trial, you will still be subject to trial limitations, even if you are verified.)
Start Verification
On your smrtPhone Dashboard, click the Start Verification button to get started with the process. A pop-up will appear with simple instructions. We suggest having your phone handy for the step that involves scanning a QR code.
You can also begin the verification process from the Trust Center, alongside our other compliance tools.
1. Stripe
Once you click the start button, you'll notice that identity verification is done in collaboration with Stripe. We leverage Stripe's verification service to verify your identity through the information and any images that you provide. smrtPhone does not store any of your identity information and can only access it if necessary via Stripe.
You can opt out of this process at any point. Should you choose to opt out, please contact our Support team to discuss an alternative verification option.
Press Agree and continue after you've read the Privacy Policy and proceed with the verification.
If you don't want Stripe to use your biometric information for their training purposes, you will have the option to revoke consent after you submit your pictures.
2. Scan the QR Code and Send Identification Documents
Next, scan the QR code with your phone's camera. You can also send the link via email, SMS, or copy-and-paste the link. If you choose to continue on the current device, be sure that you have a functional camera to scan your documents.
Scanning the QR code with your phone opens a new browser page where you can scan your identification documents. Scan both the front and the back of your ID Card. You must allow camera access to complete this step.
3. Selfie Time 🤳
After you scan both the front and back of your ID Card, it's time for a selfie. Take 3 photos of yourself with the device's camera.
After you take your photos, you'll be given the option to allow Stripe to use your biometric information to improve their processes or decline. Your choice does not affect the identity verification process for smrtPhone.
4. Submit Verification
Once those steps are complete, you have finished the verification! Submit the form and press Done.
Verification incomplete
If your data was incomplete, you will see a notification with the following message: Your identity verification hasn't been finalized due to the following reason: (reason). Press Retry to start over.
Verification failed
If you receive the notification, Verification Failed, please contact our Support Team for assistance. They will guide you further.
5. Drink a Cup of Coffee and Go on with Your Day
That Done button was the last step you needed to take for your identity verification. Now, relax and wait for the confirmation of your verification. This usually takes under 10 minutes during regular business hours but can take up to 2 days.
You can also get started on business verification if you haven't done so already. Access the Trust Center or click on the Get Verified button on your dashboard to start business verification.
