How accurate is the geographic location provided by the API?

The API provides device location at the country code (MCC) level and roaming status. It offers network-level location rather than exact GPS coordinates, which is ideal for fraud detection while maintaining privacy.

What is the MSISDN and why do we need it for the query?

The MSISDN is the subscriber's full international phone number. It serves as the unique identifier required for the API to query the mobile operator regarding the device's network connection status.

Does roaming verification imply additional costs for my client?

No. The verification is a network-level query between the Plusmo API and the operator. The end user does not incur any data or roaming charges, as no device-side action is required.

What happens if the customer uses a Wi-Fi connection?

The API monitors the mobile network registration. Even if the device is on Wi-Fi, if the SIM is registered on a foreign carrier (roaming), the API will accurately report that mobile status as a geographic risk indicator.

Can we use this API to locate a customer in an emergency?

No. This tool is strictly for fraud prevention. Data is limited to the network country code and cannot provide the granular coordinates needed for emergency response services.

Device Status API

In today's hyperconnected world, a device's location and operational status are critical data points for assessing transaction risk. Plusmo's Device Status API provides you with a layer of geographic and operational intelligence that is fundamental for security and logistics.

Our API not only offers you the geographic location of a device within a specific time range but also reveals its operational status, allowing you to make informed, real-time risk decisions.

Geographic Risk Detection: Fraud Risks Associated with Roaming

One of the strongest indicators of potentially fraudulent activity is geographic inconsistency. A scammer who has compromised an account in one country might attempt to access it or make a transaction from a distant location using roaming.

The Roaming and Onboarding Dilemma

The use of roaming in itself is not a fraudulent activity. However, in the context of high-risk operations such as opening new accounts (onboarding), significant bank transfers, or credential changes, roaming can be a red flag, especially if it originates from a country known for a high fraud index.

Risk Example: A new customer in a digital onboarding process registers with a local address, but the API detects that their mobile device is actively roaming in a distant country at the same moment. This suggests a possible identity theft or the use of stolen identities.

How Does Device Status API Work?

The Plusmo API eliminates these weaknesses. Its main objective is to verify if the phone number presented to it matches the user who is actively using your service at a given time, and all of this happens behind the scenes.

How Silent Validation Works
Our number verification process uses a secure and unique integration with mobile operators, ensuring maximum accuracy and speed

The 4-Step Verification Flow

Critical Operation Detection

The customer initiates a high-risk operation, such as starting an onboarding process, a loan application, or a large online payment.

Query to Plusmo's API

Before allowing the process to continue, your institution queries the Plusmo API, sending the associated phone number (MSISDN) of the device: “Is the mobile device associated with MSISDN +5491145388773$ in roaming?”

Mobile Operator Response

The operator instantly responds with a binary confirmation, Yes (TRUE) or No (FALSE). Additionally, it provides the country code (MCC) where the device is located.

Risk-Based Decision: Your institution reviews the response:‍

- If it is TRUE (it is in roaming), and your risk policy considers this unacceptable for that operation (e.g., onboarding), the operation is denied or the customer is redirected to a stricter manual verification process.
‍
- If it is FALSE (it is not in roaming), the high-risk process continues normally.

This mechanism allows your company to apply dynamic risk rules based on the geography and operational status of the device.

Advanced Use Cases for Device Status API

The ability to confirm device status and location goes far beyond fraud prevention in the financial sector.

IoT (Internet of Things) Applications:
In remote monitoring and management systems, knowing a device's connection status (e.g., a sensor, a smart meter) is crucial.

‍- Diagnosis and Support:
Verify if an IoT device has stopped working because it was moved (change of location) or simply is in an area without local coverage and had to enter roaming.

‍- Asset Management:
‍Confirm the last reported location of mobile assets for inventory and security.

Remote Monitoring and Field Services: Logistics or security service companies can use the API to optimize their operations.

- Logistics and Supply Chain:
‍Verify the geographical location of the driver or package (if it has a SIM device) within a time range to confirm route compliance.

- Travel and Assistance Insurance:
‍Confirm that the customer requesting assistance or filing a claim is indeed in the country they reported (i.e., by detecting if they are in roaming).

Financial Institutions and E-commerce:
‍The primary utility remains risk mitigation.

- Adaptive Authentication:
‍Implement a risk scoring system. If a device is roaming in a low-risk country (e.g., a neighboring country), the system may request a simple 2FA verification. If it is in a high-risk country, the operation is automatically denied.

- Card Fraud Management:
‍Cross-reference the location of the card transaction with the known location of the associated device to identify fraud attempts when the cardholder is traveling.

FAQ’S

Frequently Asked Questions

Tangible Benefits of Integration with Plusmo

Geographic Fraud Mitigation

Significantly reduces location-based fraud, especially fraudulent onboarding and illicit transfers from abroad.

Operational Intelligence

Obtain valuable information (roaming status, country code) to improve real-time decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Risk Customization

Allow your security policies to adapt to real risk (for example, permitting legitimate operations in neighboring countries, but blocking high-risk zones).

Optimized User Experience

For legitimate users, verification is instant and silent. Only users in risk situations (like unexpected roaming) will see an interruption or denial, protecting the rest of the customer base.

Contact Us

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