People are being deprived of their money through fake text messages and phone calls from unknown or unauthorized numbers. Sometimes account information and personal data is also requested through email, social media, and other online methods.
Please do not share your personal information — account details, password, account PIN code, or the PIN code received on your phone — and do not transfer any cash or phone credit in response to such calls and SMSs. Failing which, the consumer will be responsible for any loss resulting from such frauds, as it does not fall under the regulatory ambit of PTA except blocking of the number.
- Register your complaint at the helpline of your telecom operator for blocking of the fraudulent number.
- Register a complaint on the PTA website (through the online complaint form) or at toll-free number 0800-55055 for blocking of the fraudster's number.
- Report all types of fraud at the National Response Centre for Cyber Crime (NR3C-FIA) — helpline 9911 or 051-9106384, or visit nr3c.gov.pk.
- Report financial or mobile banking fraud to the State Bank of Pakistan — email cpd.helpdesk@sbp.org.pk.
- Report fake Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) messages at the BISP helpline: 0800-26477.
- If a fraudster uses the name of the Pakistan Army, report it to ISPR — helpline 1125 or 1135.