The Impact of Digitalization on Occupational Fraud Opportunity in Telecommunication Industry: A Strategic Review

Abstract

The objective of this conceptual paper is to evaluate the impact of digital anti-fraud measures on the occurrence of occupational fraud, specifically in telecommunication industry. The research was designed as a case study specifically in telecommunication industry involving underpinning theories and models. The paper discusses the identification of elements associated with fraud, effectiveness of digitalized anti-fraud controls and suggests appropriate recommendations for telecom practitioners. The paper has identified in view of digital disruption; the presence of technology advancement reduces the fraud opportunity element by internal fraudster yet broaden the fraud landscape for external fraud at the same time. The findings of the research are yet to be verified by certified fraud examiners as secondary data is the main source used and normally more occupational fraud occurrences are either uncovered or not reported taking into consideration of organization reputation. More scholar studies required to further investigate the actual cost of losses and effectiveness of recommended measures. The paper is a pioneer effort to associate benefit of technology advancement whilst decoupling the fraud elements in the telecommunication context.