OTT (WhatsApp/Viber) Bypass Voice Fraud is Real!

DataSentry Module I:

OTT Voice Bypass Detection and Blocking

It's important to address OTT (WhatsApp/Viber) Bypass Voice Fraud as it can result in significant revenue loss for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Here are some key data points and insights we want to share with the MNO Revenue Assurance community:

Mobius’ Definition of WhatsApp Bypass Fraud:

When a regular GSM phone call is made by an A Number and it is terminated to a B Number via a WhatsApp call without the A Number’s knowledge or consent. This type of call termination is taking away revenue that rightfully belongs to the B Number’s MNO network and potentially to tax authorities.

Extent of WhatsApp Bypass Fraud:

  • Our estimate: Approximately 3% of WhatsApp calls on the MNO network are bypass fraud calls.

  • Suggested Action: To understand revenue loss, request a report on the total number of Audio and Video calls made via WhatsApp in a month on the MNO network.

Proven! Real World Statistics

Screen Shot From Fraudulent WhatsApp Bypass Call!

Trends in Bypass Behavior:

  • An example from one MNO Client:

    • Over 16 months, there was a significant shift in Bypass call behavior. In Summer 2022, all international test calls were identified as International Sim Bypass Fraud. ALL 100%!

    • By August 2023, 90% of international Test Calls had shifted to WhatsApp Bypass Fraud!

  • A second MNO client we worked with on a different continent had an almost identical experience! (We conducted POC-specialized testing and confirmed with the MNO Client that the fraud migrated to WhatsApp.)

Global Spread:

  • WhatsApp Bypass Fraud is spreading globally.

  • It is initially observed in countries with a large WhatsApp user base and high international call termination rates.

  • It's rapidly moving to countries with lower termination rates.

Solution by Mobius:

  • Mobius offers MNOs an affordable proven service to block OTT (WhatsApp/Viber) Bypass Voice Fraud.

Mobius welcomes the opportunity to discuss OTT (WhatsApp/Viber) Bypass Fraud in more detail with MNOs, CPASS, and Voice Aggregators.

Mobius also welcomes the opportunity to work with WhatsApp to stop this Fraud from happening to the MNOs!