The Spam Machine: How Does a Robocaller Operate?

Robodialers, typically operating from overseas, make millions of calls per hour at a minimal cost—mere fractions of a penny per call. A gateway carrier handles these calls, often from international sources, and integrates them into the U.S. phone system. While some carriers may be unaware of the spam nature, others might simply ignore it.

Once inside the system, the calls are routed through unsuspecting phone carriers and eventually reach millions of phones, including yours. Most of these calls are hang-ups, but a fraction of recipients engages with them.

Those who answer are directed into an automated phone tree, where questions determine if they are potential targets for a buyer. If identified as a “qualified lead” (e.g., someone interested in an alarm system), the robocaller sells the lead for around $6–$7—enough to fund tens of thousands of additional spam calls.

The lead is then transferred to a “closer,” often based in a U.S. or international call center. This closer attempt to sell a product or service and succeeds often enough to ensure that robocallers continuously sell leads.

How Does the Solution Support Detection?

Identifies customers exhibiting repeated call center (CC) activity or showing low Answer Seizure Ratio (ASR) and Average Call Duration (ACD) metrics.

Monitors hubbing wholesale traffic in addition to the Mobile Network Operator’s (MNO’s) internal traffic.

Implements static filters to flag traffic originating from high-risk countries.

Utilizes dynamic filters to detect customers mixing retail traffic with fraudulent call center activity.

How Does the Solution Support Monetization?

Deactivates specific partners route based on commercial agreements.

Provides an alternative billing model, charging select partners based on call attempts rather than completed calls, deviating from traditional billing methods.