How do I track and reconcile purchased vs used virtual numbers via SMSVerifier API for billing audits?

Use SMSVerifier API endpoints to list purchased virtual numbers, check their usage status, and retrieve SMS logs, enabling you to reconcile purchases with actual usage efficiently for billing audits.

Understanding Purchased vs Used Virtual Numbers

When working with SMSVerifier, it’s critical to distinguish between purchased and used virtual numbers to maintain accurate billing and audit trails.

Purchased virtual numbers are numbers you acquire through the API or dashboard, reserving them for receiving SMS OTPs or verification codes. However, not all purchased numbers receive an SMS immediately or at all.

Used virtual numbers refer to those that have successfully received at least one SMS message or OTP. Usage data includes details such as received SMS content, timestamps, and the service for which the code was sent.

Key SMSVerifier API Endpoints for Tracking

SMSVerifier provides several API endpoints that enable you to track virtual numbers from purchase through usage.

• List active numbers: Use the getNumbers action to retrieve all numbers currently assigned to your account, along with their status.
• Check number status and usage: The getStatus endpoint provides information on whether the number has received SMS, is waiting, or expired.
• Retrieve received SMS messages: The getSms action returns the content and timestamps of SMS messages received on a specific number.
• Balance and transaction logs: Use getBalance and getOperations to correlate your purchases and payments with number usage.

Best Practices for Reconciliation and Auditing

Reconciliation is fundamental for billing audits to ensure you are charged only for the numbers that were truly used.

• Maintain a usage database: Store API responses for purchased numbers and received SMS in your own system with timestamps.
• Regular reconciliation cadence: Perform daily or weekly audits to identify unused numbers and potential billing discrepancies early.
• Cross-reference services: Verify the service name or type linked to each number (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram) to ensure the usage matches your expectations.
• Track expiry and refunds: Monitor numbers approaching expiry to claim automatic refunds for unused numbers.

Automating Reconciliation with API and Webhooks

Automation is key to efficient reconciliation at scale. SMSVerifier supports API-driven automation and webhook notifications.

Handling Discrepancies and Refunds

Despite best efforts, discrepancies can occur between purchased and used virtual numbers. Here’s how to address them:

• Audit logs: Review your API transaction logs along with SMS receipt data before raising issues.
• Unused number refunds: SMSVerifier automatically refunds unused numbers if no SMS arrives within the standard expiry period (usually 20 minutes).
• Contact support: For unresolved mismatches or suspected billing errors, reach out to SMSVerifier’s support with detailed logs.
• Adjust your workflow: Refine your purchase and usage tracking scripts to avoid future mismatches.