At+t Corp.

Ronald B Potter

Stephen M Kocan

Richard L Mansdoerfer, Jr

Russell D Morgan

Increased network security is provided in accordance with the invention by using information obtained from the signaling network to determine whether a call has been forwarded, and then using this information to make a determination as to appropriate further call processing, to minimize a communications company's exposure to call forwarding fraud. A determination of whether a call is a forwarded call can be made on the basis of a call forwarding indicator provided by another portion of the communications network. Where such an indicator is unavailable, a determination of whether a call is a forwarded call can be made by comparing the telephone number dialed to originate the call with the telephone number (the 'connect number') associated with the telephone station to which the call has been forwarded. When the dialed number and the connect number differ, the call is determined to be a forwarded call.

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Somerville, NJ, United States of America

Ronald B Potter