Securing Your VoIP Platform from Number Fraud

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) transmits voice calls over internet infrastructure rather than traditional telephone networks. VoIP includes:

• Consumer services — Google Voice, Skype, WhatsApp
• Business phone systems — RingCentral, 8x8, Vonage
• UCaaS platforms — Microsoft Teams, Zoom Phone
• CPaaS providers — Twilio, Bandwidth, Plivo

VoIP Number Characteristics

Geographic Flexibility

VoIP numbers aren't tied to physical locations:

• A 212 (NYC) VoIP number could be used anywhere
• Area codes don't indicate user location
• Multiple numbers from different areas on one account

Easy Acquisition

VoIP numbers are typically easier to obtain than traditional numbers:

• Online signup, often no identity verification
• Numbers available in minutes
• Low or no cost
• Easy to add/remove numbers

Variable SMS Support

SMS capability varies widely:

• Some VoIP providers support SMS fully
• Some have limited or no SMS support
• Some support receiving but not sending

Detecting VoIP Numbers

VeriRoute Intel identifies line type through LRN lookup:

curl -X POST https://api-service.verirouteintel.io/api/v1/lrn \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"phone_number": "15551234567"}'

# Response:
{
  "data": {
    "phone_number": "15551234567",
    "lrn": "5551230000",
    "carrier": "Bandwidth.com"
  },
  "success": true
}

Business Applications

Routing and Delivery

VoIP numbers may require different handling:

• SMS delivery depends on provider configuration
• Voice quality may vary by VoIP provider
• Routing paths differ from traditional carriers

Fraud Prevention

VoIP detection helps assess risk:

• VoIP numbers are easier to obtain for fraud
• May indicate elevated risk in certain contexts
• Combine with other signals for accurate assessment

Customer Communication

Understanding VoIP helps communication strategy:

• May be business number (receptionist answers)
• SMS may not be reliable
• Consider email as alternative

Major VoIP Providers

Provider	Type	SMS Support
Bandwidth.com	CPaaS/Carrier	Yes
Twilio	CPaaS	Yes
Google Voice	Consumer	Yes
RingCentral	Business UCaaS	Yes
8x8	Business UCaaS	Yes

VoIP vs. Traditional

Factor	VoIP	Traditional (Wireless/Landline)
Acquisition	Easy, often instant	Carrier verification required
Identity link	Weak (often anonymous)	Stronger (carrier records)
Geographic tie	None (area code meaningless)	Some (especially landline)
SMS support	Variable	Consistent (wireless)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you detect VoIP numbers?

VoIP numbers are detected through LRN (carrier) lookup. VoIP providers like Bandwidth, Twilio, and others are identified by their OCN (Operating Company Number). VeriRoute Intel returns line_type: "voip" for these numbers.

Should VoIP numbers be blocked?

Not necessarily. Many legitimate users have VoIP numbers for business or privacy. VoIP should be one signal in a risk assessment, not an automatic block. Consider requiring additional verification for high-risk transactions with VoIP numbers.

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