ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a public alert amid a surge in fraudulent schemes where scammers pose as PTA representatives to steal personal data.

The telecom regulator is urging citizens to remain vigilant as cybercriminals attempt to extract sensitive information such as passwords, One-Time Passwords (OTPs), and online banking credentials through fake calls, emails, and text messages.

In a firm advisory, the PTA clarified:
“PTA never asks for your personal details. If you receive any call, message, or email claiming to be from us and requesting such information, it’s a scam.”

A New Wave of Digital Deception

The warning comes in response to a growing number of phishing incidents targeting unsuspecting users. These scams are often disguised as official communication from the PTA, creating a false sense of legitimacy to manipulate victims into sharing their private information.

Authorities emphasize the importance of skepticism when receiving unsolicited digital communication — particularly when it involves sharing confidential data or clicking unfamiliar links.

How to Protect Yourself

The PTA advises all users to:

• Ignore and delete suspicious messages or emails
• Never share OTPs, passwords, or personal identification information
• Avoid clicking on links sent from unknown or unverified sources

Reporting Fraud: Who to Contact

To strengthen the fight against digital fraud, the PTA has provided the following helplines for the public:

• To report and block scam numbers: Call the PTA at 0800-55055 (Toll-Free)
• For criminal investigation of scam cases: Contact the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at 1991
• For issues involving financial fraud: Reach out to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) at (021) 111-723-273

Public Cooperation is Key

The PTA has reiterated that safeguarding digital security is a shared responsibility. Promptly reporting suspicious activity helps protect not just individual users, but the wider community from data theft and fraud.

“Your awareness is your first line of defense. Let’s stop these scammers in their tracks,” the authority stated.

As phishing tactics become more sophisticated, staying informed and cautious is crucial. PTA continues to monitor the situation and collaborate with law enforcement and financial institutions to tackle cybercrime effectively.