Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has given a new nationwide alert to the citizens against the steep rise in scams, phishing messages, and Internet fraud attempts. The telecom regulator has cautioned people to be careful and not give out personal or financial details to various individuals or doubtful websites that may contact through calls or email.
This is being given out at a time when the authorities are noticing an apparent increase in the number of digital frauds as they target mobile users, online banking clients, and even social media users all over the country. PTA also pointed out that the key to avoiding financial losses and identity theft is awareness and cautious behavior.
Increase in Scam Calls and Digital Fraud Cases
PTA claims that fraudsters are calling, sending SMSs, WhatsApp messages, and spofer sites to defraud users. Fraudsters usually purport to be employees of banks, government departments, telecommunication firms, or reward giving organizations. They also instill a sense of urgency by threatening to shut their accounts, provide bogus rewards, or sending emergency messages to coerce the victims into providing confidential information.
According to officials, a significant number of victims fall prey to giving sensitive information without understanding what they are doing and making their transactions or identities be misused.
Common Scam Tactics Identified by PTA
The telecom regulator pointed out a number of fraud techniques that are being employed by people scamming currently, such as fraudulent lottery or prize-winning messages, messages asking them to verify their account, and messages impersonating a bank or government official. Fraudsters also post suspicious links via SMS or messaging applications that download dangerous applications on gadgets. Mostly the scammers will demand OTP numbers, PIN numbers, or banking details and these are never requested by the legitimate institutions in random calls.
PTA’s Safety Guidelines for Citizens
As a measure of mitigating risks, PTA has recommended that the people apply simple digital safe measures. The citizens are advised against disclosing the CNIC data, banking information, passwords, or verification code to strangers. The list of suspicious links should not be followed in messages or emails and any prizes and urgent financial matters should be proved by official sources and the actions should be taken later.
PTA also advises that suspicious numbers should also be blocked at once and only official websites and apps used to conduct financial transactions.
Reporting Fraud and Scam Calls
The authority has urged the citizens to report scam and fraud claims to the police immediately so that the criminal networks can be tracked by the law enforcing agencies. The complaints may be made on the PTA complaint portal or PTA CMS mobile application.
In the case of cybercrime and online fraud, citizens are encouraged to contact FIA Cybercrime Wing through a helpline number of 1799. The State Bank of Pakistan has an official helpline at 111-727-273, where the fraud cases in regard to banking should be reported.
Importance of Early Reporting and Digital Awareness
Officials emphasized that the prompt reporting will be able to freeze fraudulent transactions, block compromised accounts, and ensure that scammers will not be able to attack more victims. PTA also focused on the issue of digital awareness among the population and particularly among older people and young users of the internet who might be more susceptible to internet frauds.
Telecom and financial institutions are increasing security networks and sending fraud notifications to the customers, yet regulators opine that personal vigilance is the most effective protection.
Since scam and online fraud calls are on the increase in Pakistan, PTA has urged the citizens to be alert and responsibly conduct themselves digitally. It is better to keep secret information in the company, check suspicious actions and report fraud right away. Timely reporting and awareness in the masses are still essential tools in fighting cybercrimes and ensuring users are not victims of financial and identity theft.
