Call fraud happens when hackers get into your VoIP system and place unauthorized calls in a way that results in you accumulating a bill (usually large!) for calls you did not make.
Call fraud can be to any destination, but it usually involves toll fraud: a situation in which your VoIP system is hacked and used to make lots of unauthorized international calls.
According to a recent report released by the Communications Fraud Control Association (CFCA), an estimated $28.3 billion was lost globally in the year 2019 due to telecoms-related fraud.
In particular, the CFCA study found that:
- PBX hacking and IP PBX hacking are the third and fourth top telecoms frauds respectively.
- IP PBX fraud is the second top emerging telecoms fraud.
In other words, VoIP fraud isn’t only huge right now but it is an emerging threat to watch out for.
Here are some key ways to protect your VoIP system from call fraud:
- Strengthen your outbound rules: It is important not to just leave the default outbound rules in place. You want to make sure you specify prefixes, number lengths, and extension groups that can dial out on your system.
- Block premium rate numbers and international calls: If you find that you occasionally make international calls, you can restrict countries these calls can be made to, restrict users that can make these calls on your system, and/or secure the use of international calling with a secret code only key people in your organization know.
- Configure your VoIP to go through a firewall: A firewall will regularly analyze and filter voice and data packets going through your network. It goes a long way to stop unusual activities in their tracks. Make sure you enable a SIP firewall if you haven’t already.
- Regularly audit your call records: You want to pay special attention to calls made during off work hours, unusual call durations, and to international numbers. Notify your service provider immediately you notice unusual activity you’re not sure is from you.
- Regularly patch your VoIP devices and applications: A hacker can take over your VoIP system and make changes to your settings if your system is outdated and buggy. Regularly patching your VoIP software and firmware will make your VoIP system stronger and help protect against call fraud.
Bamidele Onibalusi is a Google-certified digital marketer and an Hubspot-certified freelance writer with passion for the tech industry. You can follow him on Twitter: @youngprepro.
