Mobile ID verification will be essential to fight fraud in 2026

Smartphones are ubiquitous. Around five billion people out of a global population of just over eight billion have access to a one. It’s why a mobile number is quickly becoming a vital part of the identity verification process in know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and in the battle against fraud.

At the customer onboarding stage matching a name to an address has been and continues to be an integral part of ID verification activity. However, with the proliferation of smartphones it’s clear that mobile ID verification - matching a name to a mobile number - is something that needs to be embraced to support wider anti-fraud efforts. Particularly as an estimated 6.1 billion people are expected to have access to this type of device by 2029, while four billion people worldwide have a recognised postal address.

One of the key benefits of mobile ID verification technology is that it doesn’t depend on traditional methods that rely on semi-static data. Instead, it utilises real-time data from mobile network operators (MNOs) to authenticate an individual's identity with a high degree of accuracy.

Also, SIM registration requires individuals to provide their name, address, date of birth and, in some cases, a government-issued document or national ID. It means mobile numbers are increasingly becoming primary identifiers and digital identities. Today, in regions like India, other parts of Asia and the EU, a valid mobile number is not only required for basic communications, but also for critical activities, including opening a bank account, registering for online services, or renting property.

Sourcing easy to integrate API software that can match the name and mobile number provided to the name and number on the SIM is possible, to help prevent SIM swap fraud.

Undertaking mobile ID verification is not budget busting. It can be more cost effective compared to identity verification performed against regulated data sources, such as credit bureaus and government bodies.

Overall, mobile ID verification offers a reliable and efficient way to authenticate users, prevent fraud, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Cross-check data across various sources

While it is rapidly growing in importance mobile ID verification is just one part of the wider identity verification toolkit. With fraud growing quickly, increasingly powered by the likes of AI, it’s always best practice for KYC and AML compliance and to ensure that prospective customers are who they say they are, to additionally cross-reference a name with a physical address, landline telephone or email, where possible. Therefore, sourcing an electronic ID verification (eIDV) service is a good option, ideally one with access to a global dataset of billions of records containing contact data from trusted country specific reference sources, such as credit agencies, government agencies, utility companies, as well as mobile network operators.

Check the IP address

Don’t forget the importance of the IP address as part of the identity verification process. It’s possible to examine if the IP address of a person looking to make a purchase or, for example, open a bank account, is at or is near the verified physical address they have provided. For instance, if someone is attempting to take out a loan or buy a big ticket item in a different country from their registered address undertaking an additional verification procedure would be wise prior it being approved.

With the proliferation of smartphones globally mobile ID verification technology is going to play an increasingly vital role in the ID verification process in 2026; particularly for those organisations looking to enter and flourish in new markets. However, for best practice identity verification and to prevent fraud other contact data, like a home address, must be cross-referenced to make sure the prospective customer is who they claim to be.

This guest blog was written by Barley Laing, the UK Managing Director at Melissa. To learn more about Melissa please visit their LinkedIn page.