You got a new number — and the robocalls started on day one

How number recycling works

There are only about 1.5 billion usable US phone numbers, and carriers can't leave them idle forever. When a number is disconnected, it goes into an aging pool for a while, then gets reassigned to a new customer. That's you.

The FCC now maintains a Reassigned Numbers Database that companies are supposed to check before dialing. Many don't — and that's often where a TCPA claim comes from.

Why the calls are (probably) illegal

The previous owner may have consented to be called. You didn't. Under the TCPA, consent doesn't transfer with the number. When a company keeps auto-dialing or leaving prerecorded messages after the number was reassigned, each of those calls can be a separate violation.

What each call is worth

• $500 per negligent violation
• Up to $1,500 per willful or knowing violation
• Damages stack across calls, texts, and different callers

Documenting your recycled-number claim

1. Note the date you activated the number.
2. Log every automated or prerecorded call, especially any that name the previous owner.
3. Save voicemails and screenshots of your call history.
4. Write down every time you asked a company to stop.
5. Get a free eligibility review.

See also: Robocalls for the previous owner · Wrong-number robocalls · Debt collector calling the wrong number.

Frequently asked questions

What is a recycled phone number?

A number that was previously assigned to another customer, disconnected, aged in a pool, then reassigned to you. The FCC maintains a Reassigned Numbers Database companies are supposed to check before dialing — many don't.

How soon after I activate a number can I start getting robocalls?

Sometimes the same day. Auto-dialers run on schedules and don't know the number changed hands. Note the date you activated the line — it's an important part of a recycled-number claim.

Does the previous owner's consent transfer to me?

No. Under the TCPA, consent belongs to the current subscriber. When a number is reassigned, any consent the previous owner gave doesn't come with it. That's why continued auto-dialed or prerecorded calls to your new number can be violations.

What evidence should I keep?

Your activation date, a call log with dates and times, voicemails, screenshots of your call history, the names the callers ask for, and any time you asked them to stop. That documentation is what supports a TCPA claim.

Is checking eligibility free?

Yes. The review is free and there is no obligation. If your calls qualify, partnering attorneys typically handle the case on contingency — you generally pay nothing unless there is a recovery.