Press Releases 2005

First students graduate from GSMA-Certified Fraud Training Program

London, UK, 17 ^th May 2005: The first 11 students have successfully completed the GSM Association's (GSMA) Certified Fraud Training Programme.

Originally launched in November 2001, and redeveloped to include assessment and certification in September 2004, the programme was created by the GSMA's Fraud Forum in response to operator concern over the diverse nature of telecommunications fraud and the differing levels of experience present amongst anti-fraud personnel.

Reflecting the practical and operational needs of the GSMA's global membership, the modular programme incorporates an initial foundation course followed by further modules that help the student develop the depth of knowledge and skill required to detect, investigate and manage fraud effectively. Each module consists of a three-day course culminating in a written examination.

After completing all modules and successfully passing the accompanying examinations, the GSMA Professional Certification Board, comprised of industry experts in fraud, considers the student for certification as a "Telecommunications Fraud Specialist".

The first candidate to achieve this distinction is Karl Katzbauer, Chief of Interconnection Administration from mobilkom austria. A further eight students, put forward by operators Vodafone Ireland, O2 UK and Maroc Telecom, together with two students from GSMA Associate Member Neural Technologies, have just been certified by the GSMA Professional Certification Board.

"Fraud is a growing menace in all walks of life and telecommunications is not immune," said Rob Conway, CEO of the GSMA and Member of its Board. "'Telecommunications Fraud Specialists' certified by the GSMA will become recognised as valuable and professional contributors to any telecommunications fraud management team, and to the global GSM family of operators fighting against fraud threats."

"The GSMA-Certified Fraud Training Program, gives my team the knowledge, skills and confidence to better protect our business and our customers from fraudsters," said Dr. Alexander Zuser, Chief of Carrier Relations mobilkom austria. "The international network of graduates that the programme is creating will become an increasingly powerful weapon against cross-border fraud."

More information on the GSM Association Certified Fraud Training Programme



About the GSM Association

GSMA Contacts

Mark Smith
Tel. +44 (0)20 7759 2300
Fax. +44 (0)20 7759 2301
Email: press@gsm.org

Kevin Taylor
Companycare Communications
Tel. +44 (0)7850 858 291
Email: Kevin.taylor@companycare.com

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