12 Telecom Fraud Types You Should Know

TL;DR
Telecom fraud types can cost your business thousands. Whether you manage your own phone system or use a hosted one like Voyced’s, this article explains 12 common fraud methods and what you can do to protect yourself.

12 Telecom Fraud Types You Should Know

Telecom fraud affects businesses of all sizes.

From stolen minutes to fake caller IDs, it’s not just about cost, it’s about trust, disruption, and wasted time.

You’re at risk whether you run your own IPPBX or rely on a managed VoIP system like Voyced’s Hosted IPPBX.

This guide breaks down the most common telecom fraud types and gives you simple actions to take.

1. International Revenue Share Fraud (IRSF)

One of the most damaging telecom fraud types.

• Fraudsters make calls to expensive international numbers.

• They profit from the revenue split with the number provider.

• Your system or service pays the bill.

If self-hosted:

• Block high-risk destinations.

• Watch your usage reports.

If you use Voyced:

• We already block known fraud routes.

• You just need to keep passwords secure and check your own call activity.

2. PBX Hacking

Hackers break into your phone system to make calls.

• Usually done through weak passwords or open ports.

• They run up high bills using your resources.

Self-hosted IPPBX:

• Change all default passwords.

• Use firewalls and limit access.

Hosted by Voyced:

• Our systems are secure by design.

• You must manage passwords and avoid sharing logins.

3. CLI Spoofing

One of the most common telecom fraud types for scams.

• The caller ID is faked to look like it’s from someone you trust.

• Used for phishing, fake support calls, or to bypass blocks.

What to do:

• Don’t rely on caller ID alone.

• Stay alert and report suspicious calls.

4. Subscription Fraud

Fraudsters use stolen or fake details to create telecom accounts.

• They use the services, then disappear.

• Common in mobile and VoIP setups.

Self-hosted:

• Be cautious with new accounts.

• Use ID checks.

Voyced clients:

• We verify all customers before activation.

• You should still manage your users internally.

5. Wangiri Fraud

This telecom fraud type uses missed calls to trick users.

• You see a call from an unknown international number.

• If you call back, you’re charged premium rates.

Tip:

• Don’t call back unknown numbers.

• Teach your staff to ignore these too.

6. Call Forwarding Fraud

A hidden danger in many phone systems.

• Calls are forwarded to expensive destinations.

• Often set up through hacked voicemail or admin panels.

With your own system:

• Disable unused features.

• Use secure voicemail PINs.

With Voyced:

• We limit risky forwarding options.

• You control what’s active on your account.

7. Toll Bypass Fraud (SIM Box Fraud)

This telecom fraud type affects call routing and revenue.

• Calls are rerouted to avoid international fees.

• Users experience poor call quality.

For Voyced clients:

• We use anti-fraud routing filters.

• No action needed, but report any unusual issues.

8. Voicemail Hacking

Attackers access voicemail boxes with default or weak PINs.

• They change settings.

• Sometimes they make calls through your system.

What to do:

• Change all default voicemail PINs.

• Turn off remote voicemail access if not needed.

9. Premium Rate Abuse

This fraud type is about driving traffic to high-cost numbers.

• The numbers are owned or controlled by the fraudster.

• Calls are often generated through system access or staff misuse.

Monitor this:

• Watch for sudden increases in call volume.

• Limit access to expensive destinations.

Voyced users:

• We auto-flag unusual spikes.

• You should still keep an eye on your account usage.

10. Account Takeover (ATO)

Another common telecom fraud type.

• A fraudster gains access to a real user’s account.

• They change settings, lock out the real user, or reroute calls.

Action:

• Use different passwords for every user.

• Don’t share credentials between team members.

• Look out for unusual login activity.

11. SIM Swap Fraud

This mostly targets mobile and VoIP-to-mobile services.

• The attacker tricks a provider into giving them your number.

• They intercept your calls and texts, including 2FA codes.

Protect yourself:

• Add extra PIN protection with your mobile provider.

• Be cautious if your phone suddenly loses service.

12. False Answer Supervision (FAS)

This fraud type tricks your system into thinking a call was answered.

• You get charged even if no one picks up.

• The issue lies in the call routing or carrier.

Voyced clients:

• We only use trusted partners for clean call handling.

• Contact us if you suspect fake call charges.

Why Knowing Telecom Fraud Types Matters

If you think telecom fraud won’t affect your business, you’re wrong.

These scams:

• Don’t just hit big companies

• Can happen any time, even when you’re closed

• Can go unnoticed until your bill arrives

What You Must Do

Whether you run your own phone system or use Voyced’s, there are a few steps only you can take:

• Set strong passwords for all users

• Change regularly

• Train your staff on what to look out for

• Never share login details

• Check your call logs and usage reports weekly

• Contact support if anything looks off

What Voyced Does to Help

If you’re using Voyced’s Hosted IPPBX or our other VoIP services, you’re already protected from many telecom fraud types:

• Real-time fraud monitoring

• Global call filtering

• Smart routing detection

• IP tracking and login checks

• Optional call caps and geo-blocks

• Clean traffic paths through trusted carriers

We handle the backend. You stay focused on your business.

Ready to Review Your Setup?

If you’re not sure how secure your phone setup is, or just want help understanding your risks:

We’re here to help.

Just reach out, and we’ll walk through it with you.