> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.joinsonar.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Access Sonar

> Learn how to integrate Sonar’s API to access real-time risk signals across the financial ecosystem. Send a query, receive standardized insights, and strengthen your fraud detection - no heavy integration required.

Sonar is designed to be simple to use and fast to integrate. With a single API call, you can query Sonar for real-time counterparty risk insights – no complex setup required.

## **1. Inquire Sonar using identifiable information**

Send a request to Sonar’s API with basic identifiers such as an email address, phone number, or bank account.

```json theme={null}
{
  "entity": {
    "email": "example@domain.com",
    "phone": "+1234567890",
    "bank_account": {
      "account_number": "•••••",
      "routing_number": "•••••"
    }
  }
}
```

## **2. Receive real-time risk signals from the network**

Sonar returns a set of standardized risk signals based on observed behavior across our member network. These insights may include indicators such as elevated return rates, confirmed fraud associations, or unusual transaction patterns.

```json theme={null}
{
  "risk_score": "high",
  "reasons": [
    "High ACH return rate",
    "Linked to known mule activity",
    "Previously flagged by multiple institutions"
  ]
}
```

Use these insights to power risk decisions within your existing fraud, compliance, or onboarding workflows.

## **3. Provide feedback to strengthen the network**

After reviewing the response and making a decision, you can optionally send feedback to Sonar—such as whether the transaction was accepted, declined, or flagged. This feedback helps improve signal quality across the consortium.

```json theme={null}
{
  "feedback": {
    "decision": "declined",
    "reason": "matched mule pattern"
  }
}
```

Members who contribute feedback may be eligible for revenue share under Sonar’s participation model.

Sonar is built to be fast, compliant, and easy to implement. You can start querying in minutes and begin receiving signals from across the ecosystem – no heavy integration required.

<Info>
  To learn more and request access to our API documentation, please contact us at [help@joinsonar.com](mailto:help@joinsonar.com)
</Info>