Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, offering flexibility and anonymity. However, its potential misuse in criminal cases is a growing concern. A recent investigation by Covert Results investigators and experts in VOIP numbers revealed how VOIP numbers were weaponized in an attempt to fabricate evidence in a serious legal case.

The Case: When Text Messages Become Evidence

A criminal defense attorney reached out to Covert Results investigators and experts in VOIP numbers seeking investigative assistance. His client faced multiple indictments, including aggravated burglary, theft, and violation of an Order of Protection. The Order of Protection was originally granted based on the pretenses that the Defendant was messaging the victim harassing and threatening messages. The prosecution presented text messages as evidence, claiming they were sent by the defendant to the alleged victim. While some of these messages were legitimate, others appeared to come from a variety of unverified phone numbers, many of which were linked to VOIP services. And that’s where our team utilizes databases, combs through discovery, and works alongside the lawyer to execute subpoenas on VOIP providers to get the real answers!

Investigative Approach: Subpoenas and Digital Forensics

To determine the origins of these messages, the investigative team reviewed a series of PDFs provided by the prosecution. Through meticulous analysis and the use of digital forensic tools, investigators identified a pattern: most of the phone numbers associated with the alleged harassment were not tied to the defendant but instead were linked to third-party VOIP providers.

Key Findings:

  • The investigative team extracted data from the client’s phone using Cellebrite software, aligning timestamps and phone numbers with messages sent and received.
  • A search on multiple VOIP numbers traced them to Onvoy LLC, a wholesale provider supplying numbers to various third-party messaging services.
  • Communication with Onvoy’s parent company, Inteliquent, revealed that while they could confirm the number had been used on their platform, a legal subpoena would be required to identify the specific application responsible for the messages.
  • A subpoena to PINGER confirmed that the alleged victim had, in fact, been sending messages to herself, falsely attributing them to the defendant.

Understanding VOIP and Its Role in Digital Evidence

VOIP numbers are widely used for legitimate purposes but can also be exploited to create misleading trails in legal disputes. Unlike traditional phone numbers, VOIP numbers can be easily acquired, discarded, or reassigned. The challenge in criminal investigations is proving the actual user behind a VOIP number at a specific time.

Investigators faced hurdles in subpoenaing records from service providers due to VOIP’s layered structure. Wholesale providers like Onvoy supply numbers to other service providers, who then distribute them to end-users. A single subpoena only reveals the intermediary service, requiring additional legal requests to pinpoint the actual user.

The Digital Trail: Messaging Apps and Encrypted Platforms

Beyond VOIP numbers, understanding how people use them is crucial. Here are the top five most commonly used VOIP services and their purposes:

  • Google Voice – Provides users with a free secondary number for calling, texting, and voicemail.
  • TextNow – Allows users to send texts and make calls using WiFi or mobile data, often used for anonymity.
  • TextFree – Offers a free texting and calling service over the internet, often used for temporary communication.
  • Burner – A privacy-focused service allowing users to create disposable phone numbers.
  • Skype – A widely used VOIP platform for international calling and messaging.

This discovery highlighted the complexity of modern communication and the challenges law enforcement faces in authenticating digital evidence. But, with patience and thorough investigation, professionals can get to the bottom of the “spoof” number.

Key Takeaways for Legal Professionals

  1. VOIP Numbers Require Scrutiny – Just because a message appears to come from a specific number doesn’t mean it was sent by the defendant. Subpoenas and forensic analysis are crucial in verifying sender identity.
  2. Digital Forensics Can Uncover Deception – Tools like Cellebrite can reveal valuable metadata, aligning text timestamps with device activity.
  3. Legal Requests Must Be Precise – Wholesale providers like Onvoy only store limited data. Subpoenas should be directed at the service providers responsible for assigning the VOIP number to an end-user.
  4. Messaging Apps Add Complexity – The presence of encrypted and location-based messaging apps introduces additional variables that must be accounted for in digital investigations.

Conclusion: The Power of Expert Investigation

As technology evolves, so do the methods used to manipulate evidence. In this case, thorough investigative work debunked false allegations and showcased the importance of expertise in VOIP technology. Attorneys, law enforcement, and investigators must remain vigilant, leveraging digital forensics to ensure justice prevails in the digital age.

If you’re dealing with a case involving fabricated digital evidence, don’t leave anything to chance. Covert Results specializes in uncovering the truth through expert investigative techniques, digital forensics, and subpoena execution. Our team has the experience, tools, and knowledge to provide the answers you need. Contact Covert Results today—when it comes to uncovering the facts, we are the best in the business.

Covert Results is the premier private investigations, armed security, cyber security, and training company you’ve been searching for. Our team of highly skilled experts has amassed over 100 years of experience in all fields, from investigations to security concerns. Being a member and working within a global network called The Entrepreneurs Organization allows us to provide excellent service anywhere on Earth – truly bringing peace of mind through our world class services! Be sure to follow @CovertResults across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest information regarding investigator expertise as well as lighthearted moments shared by our community! If you need us to guide you to that peace of mind you are looking for, call or text 615-861-1680 or email contact@covertresults.com.