Collusion and Fraud Detection on Electronic Energy Meters - A Use Case of Forensics Investigation Procedures

Abstract

Smart meters (gas, electricity, water, etc.) play a fundamental role on the implementation of the Smart Grid concept. Nevertheless, the rollout of smart meters needed to achieve the foreseen benefits of the integrated network of devices is still slow. Among the reasons for the slower pace is the lack of trust on electronic devices and new kinds of frauds based on clever tampering and collusion. These facts have been challenging service providers and imposing great revenues losses. This paper presents a use case of forensics investigation procedures applied to detect electricity theft based on tampered electronic devices. The collusion fraud draw our attention for the involved amounts (losses) caused to the provider and the technique applied to hide fraud evidences.