First we need to define cell phone fraud. According the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), cell phone fraud is defined as the tampering, modification, or unauthorized use of a particular cell phone device or service. Cell phone crime took off in 1990s. Because of this, the Wireless Telephone Protection Act was passed in 1998. This act made an act of cell phone fraud known as “cloning” a crime.
A cell phone has a unique electronic serial number or ESN. The vulnerability comes when crooks uses a scanner to pick up your device’s ESN and then exploit it by reprogramming another phone with the compromised data and make calls at your expense. These malicious persons use complex software and devices (scanners) to obtain the transmissions from your phone. Since the two devices are now using the same ESN, the carrier cannot figure out the difference and the fraudulent calls go unnoticed.
Many producers and manufacturers of have mounted a technological battle against cell phone cloning. Both the remote tampering of and reprogramming of new models are allegedly more difficult. Again, the FCC says new security implications will help in the reduction of all cell phone fraud in the future.
Really the only thing you yourself can do is to check your bill monthly. Any calls that look out of place will raise alarm. Phishing on the other hand, you can prevent yourself.