In today's digital landscape, contact forms are an integral component of any company's digital strategy. These forms can take various shapes, from permanent fixtures on websites to sudden pop-ups, catering to diverse business needs. As businesses increasingly turn to web forms to capture leads and gain insights into their audience, a menacing presence lurks in the shadows: bots. What many fail to realize is that these automated entities are not limited to mundane tasks but are also capable of filling out call-back forms linked to premium-rate numbers.
In the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity, the deployment of bots for malicious purposes has seen a surge, encompassing a broad spectrum of cyber threats, from data breaches to DDoS attacks. Among these nefarious tactics, the emergence of Wangiri 2.0 fraud stands as a significant challenge for enterprises and brands worldwide. This evolution of the infamous "one ring and drop" Wangiri scam has harnessed the power of automated bots, unleashing a threat far more elusive and devastating than its predecessor.
Unlike its original version, Wangiri 2.0 takes aim at enterprises and brands, capitalizing on their dedication to customer service for deceptive purposes. It relies on the strategic use of callback forms to lure unsuspecting victims into a costly trap.
Wangiri 2.0 operates as follows:
1. Internet bots submit international and premium rate numbers through businesses' online contact forms.
2. Enterprises and brands call these numbers via their voice services, incurring exorbitant charges.
3. Fraudsters on the other end prolong the call to maximize costs, often by playing a ringing sound to deceive the caller into waiting and accumulating charges.
![231107-mobileum-blog-image[55]](https://blog.mobileum.com/hs-fs/hubfs/01.%20Mobileum/05.%20Blog/2023%2011%20The%20Growing%20Threat%20of%20Bots%20in%20Wangiri%202.0%20Attacks/231107-mobileum-blog-image%5B55%5D.png?width=1920&height=986&name=231107-mobileum-blog-image%5B55%5D.png)
What sets Wangiri 2.0 apart from its predecessor is its intricate nature. Scammers employ automated bots to distribute their call traffic, evading traditional anti-fraud systems designed to detect unusual patterns. This calculated approach makes Wangiri 2.0 fraud attacks exceptionally challenging to detect and counter, prompting enterprises and telecom providers to invest in advanced and adaptive fraud protection solutions.
The scheme remains a persistent threat, and companies with online contact forms and similar submission forms are vulnerable targets. Moreover, many Fraud Management Systems (FMS) are ill-equipped to combat this and similar fraud schemes, often due to a lack of awareness about their existence among developers.
How Challenging Is It to Identify Bots Executing Wangiri 2.0 Attacks?
Recognizing bots impersonating humans can be a tricky task. These bots can employ real IP addresses, swiftly complete forms, and even tackle complex CAPTCHAs. So, the question arises: How difficult is it to unmask these digital impostors?
Telecommunication operators have a unique advantage, armed with a wealth of data and insights that can be strategically employed to shield enterprises from the deceptive threats of Wangiri attacks. This information, often collected through extensive network monitoring and call data, can be a formidable tool in the ongoing fight against this fraudulent menace.
In close collaboration with enterprise clients, telecom operators can also share valuable threat intelligence to block calls, including information about known scam numbers and the call patterns commonly associated with Wangiri fraud. This added layer of protection expands the collective defense against Wangiri attacks and assists enterprises in strengthening their security measures. In a digital landscape filled with ever-evolving threats, the wealth of information held by telecom operators emerges as a powerful ally in the mission to safeguard enterprises from financial losses and reputational harm caused by Wangiri attacks.
Mobileum's Role in Mitigating the Threat
Fighting bots that infiltrate form submissions to drive Wangiri attacks is a pressing challenge. These bots not only disrupt data integrity but also drain the finances of telco enterprises and their customers, all without delivering tangible benefits.
Mobileum's Fraud Management System (FMS) emerges as a valuable solution, serving as a bulwark against these covert bot-driven form-filling activities. By doing so, telco companies can help their customers save money, enhance the quality of their leads, and preserve their brand's reputation.
Mobileum is resolute in its commitment to building trust within the industry and eradicating fraud. The company has developed a suite of tools designed to combat various forms of voice traffic fraud, including the elusive Wangiri fraud and its evolving iterations. Maintaining vigilance over the evolving landscape of fraud tactics, Mobileum's FMS remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of its clients and their customers.
Through the adoption of Mobileum's advanced solutions, telecom companies can fortify their defenses against these malicious entities, enabling them to focus on genuine, meaningful interactions and thrive in the digital sphere.
Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post.
Put your Comment Below.