Your lead validator checks syntax, not deliverability — and it's costing FTDs

Your lead validator checks syntax, not deliverability — and it's costing FTDs

Most teams bolt on an email/phone validator, see 'valid' flags, and assume the list is clean. The common mistake: validating format (regex passes, MX record exists) instead of reachability.

Where it breaks:
— Disposable domains rotate faster than static blocklists update. A 6-month-old blocklist misses ~40% of fresh throwaways.
— Phone validation that only checks country-code + length passes ported VoIP numbers your call center can't reach.

The fix:
— Use a validator with live SMTP ping plus disposable-domain detection that updates daily (NeverBounce, ZeroBounce, Kickbox all expose a 'role/disposable/catch-all' breakdown — read those sub-statuses, not just the top score).
— For phone, require HLR lookup or carrier-type detection so VoIP and landlines get flagged before they hit the dialer.
— Track 'validated but unreachable' as its own bucket. If it climbs past 10%, your validator is rubber-stamping junk.

Who should skip this: pure SEO/display funnels where the broker validates inline at signup — you're paying for a check you don't own.

Verdict: Validate reachability, not just format.