How do fake BTS messages bypass official telco networks?

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Fake BTS Messages Bypass Official Telco Networks by Mimicking Legitimate Signals

Fake base transceiver station (BTS) messages circumvent official telecommunications networks by deploying non-compliant devices that impersonate legitimate mobile network signals. These devices enable the direct transmission of SMS messages to users' mobile phones, bypassing the established infrastructure of licensed telecommunications service providers. This direct injection of messages makes scam or spoofed content appear authentic to the recipient.
Functionality of a Fake BTS

A fake BTS operates by emitting radio signals designed to mimic those of an actual mobile network. This allows it to function as a pseudo-network, intercepting or directly sending communications without adhering to the protocols and security measures of authorized providers. The core mechanism involves broadcasting a signal that mobile devices recognize as belonging to a legitimate network, thereby accepting messages sent through this illicit channel.
Direct Transmission to Mobile Devices

The critical aspect of a fake BTS is its ability to send SMS messages directly to mobile phones. Unlike legitimate network traffic, which is routed through a service provider's core network for authentication and delivery, these fraudulent messages bypass this entire process. This direct transmission is what allows scam messages, often containing malicious links, to appear as if they originated from a trusted source.
Impersonation of Telecommunications Providers

By mimicking network signals, these fake BTS devices can also impersonate official telecommunications service providers. This tactic is crucial for enhancing the credibility of scam messages, as users are accustomed to receiving communications from their mobile carriers. The syndicate identified in Johor Bahru was found to be using such a device to send fraudulent SMS messages while impersonating a telecommunications service provider, making it harder for the public to discern legitimate messages from scams.

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How do fake BTS messages bypass official telco networks?

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