ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a public warning against rising online job scams and SIM card frauds targeting unsuspecting citizens across the country. The authority cautioned that cybercriminals are exploiting social media platforms by posting fake job offers to steal personal data and money.
According to the PTA, scammers pose as legitimate companies or conduct fake surveys to collect sensitive information, including photos and location data. The regulator urged people to verify any online job offer before applying, emphasizing that safety should always come before the lure of financial gain.
In a related advisory, the PTA also raised alarm over fraudulent SIM card schemes spreading in major cities. Street vendors have been offering free SIM cards with promises of unlimited calls or internet access, tricking people into providing fingerprints and thumb impressions. These biometric details are often misused for identity theft, financial fraud, and other criminal activities.
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Recently, a citizen in Hyderabad lost Rs 85,000 after a fraudster cloned his SIM and accessed his bank account to conduct unauthorized transactions. Authorities, including the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), have launched an investigation and urged citizens to remain cautious. The PTA reminded that giving away a SIM registered in one’s name to another person is a punishable offense under Pakistani law.