Mobile phone services have and will be subject to fraud. This paper examines different types of fraud through examples. Reasons for fraud are explained, as are possible solutions to prevent fraud. Fraud types specific to certain analog and digital mobile phone technologies are presented, as well as broader types of fraud independent of the underlying technologies.
Mobile communication has been readily available for several years, and is major business today. It provides a valuable service to its users who are willing to pay a considerable premium over a fixed line phone, to be able to walk and talk freely. Because of its usefulness and the money involved in the business, it is subject to fraud and criminal interest.
Some of the features of mobile communication make it an alluring target for criminals. It is a relatively new invention, so not all people are quite familiar with its possibilities, in good or in bad. Its newness also means intense competition among mobile phone service providers as they are attracting customers. Both of these provide an opportunity for the criminally inclined to try and make a profit out of the situation.
There are many kinds of mobile phone fraud. This paper attempts to summarise and categorise different types of fraud through different points of view on the subject matter. Practical examples are presented to gain a better understanding of the different kinds of mobile phone fraud.
The rest of the paper is organised as follows. Chapter 2 introduces the reader to the cost figures of fraud. Chapter 3 examines the different types of fraud through examples: First, reasons for fraud, answering the question of “Why?”, second, methods for fraud, answering the question of “How?”, and thirdly, fraud perpetrators, answering the question of “Who?”. Finally, chapter 4 presents conclusions about the subject.
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Experiences in Mobile Phone fraud
