The biggest concern for VoIP phones and technology is VoIP fraud. VoIP fraud is such an issue, that it deters many businesses from adopting this new technology. Because VoIP is an internet-based system, it is more susceptible to the common problems, in which the internet faces. You have obviously heard about fraud (but hopefully have never experienced it). Fraud is essentially defined as any dishonest action that the perpetrator benefits from. The most common types of fraud are credit card, telemarketing, application fraud and identity theft. VoIP fraud is also a major concern, and falls into the same category as the types of frauds mentioned. But what is VoIP fraud? It is an unauthorized use of paid communication services that are charged to someone (whether the service provider or customer) who is not expecting it.
You definitely would not want someone who is unauthorized to use your services no matter what. However, the crime exceeds that. The money that racks up due to these illicit calls is enormous, sometimes coming in at a couple of million of dollars! Most often times, international calls are made because they are more costly than domestic calls in the United States. VoIP fraud is a major concern and occurs in countries all over the world and the United States is at the top of the list.
Tips on How to Avoid VoIP Fraud:
1. Create Complex Passwords. I know, I know…you hear this tip all of the time, but it is true! Many systems are hacked simply because the passwords were generic and/or obvious. This is the most simple and cost effective way to protect your system from hacking.
2. Install Fraud Protection Software. Very similar to how credit card companies can detect unusual credit card usage, VoIP fraud protection can detect unusual phone usage.
3. Use a Firewall. Firewalls can serve as an additional layer of protection, making it harder for hackers to breach the system.
4. Secure Shell (SSH). This can facilitate safer transfer, while improving confidentiality.
5. Call Monitoring. The information from the monitoring system can help you and your team determine who is making the call. Xima’s Chronicall Call Accounting Software is extremely popular with our clients, which monitors and records calls. Learn more about Chronicall and how it can help your business.
These are just few of the many ways you can prevent your business from falling victim to VoIP fraud. While we are on the topic of fraud, check out one of our recent blogs on PBX hacking!
Do you have any questions about this blog, or how Teltek can help you? Call us at 1.866.9.TELTEK, or visit our website. We look forward to serving you!
Teltek is a Certified Avaya Business Partner, NEC Dealer, Zultys, and Microsoft Partner with two locations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. We specialize in providing one call technology support for small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania.