Islamabad, Dec 6: The public has been alerted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about the growing danger of phishing scams. The authority made it clear that it will never ask for passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), or personal information via email, texts, or phone calls. The alert’s goal is to inform people about how to spot and steer clear of fraudulent activity that targets financial and personal information.
The PTA advised people to disregard strange or unsolicited calls and messages. Additionally, it advised users not to divulge financial or personal information to strangers and recommended against clicking on links they got from unfamiliar numbers. These safeguards are intended to keep people safe from frauds that take advantage of online communication channels.
The PTA has provided instructions on how to report fraud or questionable activity. To restrict SIM cards, users are encouraged to call 0800-55055, make complaints via the PTA’s CMS app or website, or get in touch with their service providers. Repeat offenders will have their access to SIM cards restricted, and fraudulent numbers and IMEIs will be blacklisted.
Citizens can get in touch with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for additional inquiries. The State Bank of Pakistan can be contacted at cpd.helpdesk@sbp.org.pk for cases involving financial fraud, and WhatsApp scams can be reported straight to the helpline of the platform. To save themselves and others from possible losses, users are advised to exercise caution, refrain from clicking on dubious links, and report any fraudulent activity right away.
The PTA claims that this most recent warning emphasizes the growing prevalence of digital fraud in Pakistan and exhorts people to follow secure online procedures. Citizens can take proactive steps to prevent phishing efforts and protect their information by putting the suggested precautions into practice and reporting frauds as soon as they occur.
