Patent ID: 6181925
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
A method of preventing fraud in a cellular phone system, comprising the steps of:(a) receiving an indication at a computer coupled to a switch in the cellular phone system that a specific cellular phone has placed a call in the cellular phone system;(b) identifying the specific cellular phone as fraudulent in the computer;(c) generating an interdiction message in the computer for the call placed by the fraudulent cellular phone in the cellular phone system, wherein the interdiction message comprises a called number for the call placed by the fraudulent cellular phone in the cellular phone system, a mobile identification number (MIN) and electronic serial number (ESN) for the fraudulent cellular phone, and a command instructing the switch to terminate the call placed by the fraudulent cellular phone; and(d) transmitting the interdiction message from the computer to the switch in the cellular phone system, wherein the switch matches the call placed by the fraudulent cellular phone with the interdiction message and terminates the call in response to the interdiction message.