What is required from an agent before texting or emailing a consumer?

The requirement for an agent to obtain explicit permission from the consumer before texting or emailing is grounded in regulations designed to protect consumer privacy and ensure consent in communication. These regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), emphasize that consumers must provide clear and unambiguous consent for any marketing communication sent via text or email. This means that agents must not only inform consumers of their intent to send messages but also confirm that the consumers are willing to receive such communication.

Explicit permission indicates that the consumer has actively agreed to receive texts or emails, thereby establishing a legal basis for the communication. This helps to foster trust between the consumer and the agent while ensuring compliance with privacy laws. Failure to obtain this consent can result in penalties for the agent or the organization they represent.

In contrast, options that suggest assumed permission or general consent do not meet the legal requirements necessary to engage in direct electronic communication for marketing purposes, making explicit permission the only legally and ethically sound approach.