Fraud detection discipline in telecom

What we know about fraud

Fraud in telecom is not one category but seven or eight parallel streams (subscription, dealer, IRSF, bypass, roaming, premium-rate, internal, social engineering). Each has its own economics, patterns, countermeasures.

Most operators fight fraud reactively — discover through CFO audit once a year. We help build a continuous fraud loop.

Our expertise:

Per-category methodology. Subscription fraud detection via document validation + behavioural patterns in the first 7 days. IRSF — pattern-based trunk anomalies. Bypass — test calls + traffic analysis. Each category needs its own playbook.

Tooling selection. Global vendors (Subex, Mobileum, Argyle Data) vs regional vs build. Selection criteria — local pattern coverage, not feature list.

Operating model. Fraud team as a separate function, reporting to CFO or COO, not IT and not network. Independence critical.

Legal framework. Fraud investigation requires an evidence chain, sometimes a criminal case. Without legal partnership fraud detection is an academic exercise.

Dealer collaboration. 30-40% of operator fraud runs through dealers. Dealer Management Platform integrates with the fraud loop.

Where we help

Fraud Diagnostic — assessment of current potential leakage with sample reconciliation. 4-6 weeks.

Fraud Platform Design — architecture of the fraud loop, vendor selection, operating model.

Fraud Pilot — 6-9 month engagement with phased rollout of 2-3 categories, measurable recovery.

Fraud Operating Routine — embed into weekly review, monthly executive report.

What we bring

Knowledge of local fraud patterns in Central Asia (subscription with leaked documents, IRSF via known routes, bypass via cross-border SIM).

Experience working with bank fraud teams — operator and bank often need joint defence (SIM swap, social engineering).

Independence from vendors.

Related

• /en/solutions/telecom-fraud-platform/ — fraud platform
• /en/cases/telecom-fraud-platform-pilot/ — fraud pilot case
• /en/use-cases/telecom-sim-swap-detection/ — SIM swap
• /en/solutions/telecom-revenue-assurance-platform/ — RA