Abstract: The use of stolen mobile identification number (MIN) and electronic serial number (ESN) information to fraudulently place wireless calls is prevented by having the switches of multiple wireless carriers forward or direct, over a telephone connection, all calls placed from selected MINs to a central authentication platform that serves the multiple wireless carriers. The central authentication platform engages in a so-called "challenge-response" authentication with local processors that are interfaced to the wireless telephones from which non-fraudulent calls originate. The challenge-response authentication uses a shared secret key (S-Key) that is not broadcast over the interface, thus preventing the key from being "stolen".

Abstract: The use of stolen mobile identification number (MIN) and electronic serial number (ESN) information to fraudulently place wireless calls is prevented by having the switches of multiple wireless carriers forward or direct, over a telephone connection, all calls placed from selected MINs to a central authentication platform that serves the multiple wireless carriers. The central authentication platform engages in a so-called "challenge-response" authentication with local processors that are interfaced to the wireless telephones from which non-fraudulent calls originate. The challenge-response authentication uses a shared secret key (S-Key) that is not broadcast over the air interface, thus preventing the key from being "stolen".