MPVEX: International Calling

International Calling Allowed, But Disallowed By Default

Limiting the use of international calling is important for several reasons, primarily to prevent misuse and protect against potential scams. Here are some key points on why limiting international calling is important and how scammers can take advantage of open international calling:

Importance of Limiting International Calling:

1. 1. Cost Control: International calls can be significantly more expensive than domestic calls, especially for long-distance or overseas calls. Limiting international calling helps control telecommunications costs for businesses and individuals.
   2. Resource Allocation: By restricting international calling, organizations can allocate telecom resources more efficiently and ensure that international calls are made for legitimate business or personal purposes.
   3. Security and Fraud Prevention: Limiting international calling helps prevent unauthorized access to telecom systems, reduces the risk of toll fraud, and enhances overall security against malicious activities.
   4. Compliance: In some industries or jurisdictions, there may be regulatory requirements or compliance standards related to international calling that organizations must adhere to. Limiting international calling can help meet these requirements.

Ways Scammers Exploit Open International Calling:

1. 1. International Premium Rate Number (IPRN) Fraud: Scammers set up premium rate numbers in foreign countries and lure victims into calling these numbers through various means (e.g., fake contests, tech support scams). Victims unknowingly incur high charges, and scammers receive a portion of the revenue.
   2. Wangiri (One Ring) Scams: Scammers use auto-dialing software to make missed calls to random phone numbers, often using international numbers. When recipients call back out of curiosity, they may connect to premium rate or fraudulent numbers, resulting in high charges.
   3. Impersonation Scams: Scammers pose as legitimate entities such as banks, government agencies, or tech support services and trick victims into calling international numbers for supposed urgent matters. These calls can lead to financial losses or identity theft.
   4. Phishing and Social Engineering: Scammers may use social engineering tactics via phone calls to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security, such as transferring money or providing login credentials.

Strategies to Limit International Calling and Prevent Scams:

1. 1. Access Control: Implement access controls and permissions within your MPVEX system to restrict international calling privileges based on user roles and responsibilities.
   2. Call Blocking: Use call blocking or filtering mechanisms to block calls to known international premium rate numbers, suspicious destinations, or high-risk countries.
   3. Education and Awareness: Educate users about common phone scams, warning signs, and best practices for verifying the legitimacy of international calls or requests for sensitive information.
   4. Monitoring and Analytics: Regularly monitor call patterns, usage statistics, and anomalies in international calling to detect potential fraud or misuse early.
   5. Telecom Security Measures: Implement robust authentication, encryption, and security protocols in telecom systems to prevent unauthorized access and protect against toll fraud.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining vigilance against potential scams, organizations and individuals can reduce the risks associated with open international calling and safeguard against financial losses and security breaches.