Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has warned citizens against fraudulent messages claiming that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is offering Rs13,000 as a special cash reward on Iqbal Day.
The agency has declared the circulating offer fake and advised people not to trust messages containing suspicious registration links.
The fraudulent announcement claims that Pakistani citizens can receive Rs13,000 in celebration of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s birth anniversary on November 9.
However, the NCCIA says cybercriminals are exploiting the prime minister’s name to deceive people and obtain their personal and financial information.
According to an agency spokesperson, these messages may contain malicious links designed to collect sensitive information, including banking details, and expose unsuspecting users to financial fraud.
The warning comes as Pakistan observes Iqbal Day, an important national occasion that attracts considerable public attention across social media platforms.
The fake offer reportedly circulates through WhatsApp and other social networking platforms, encouraging recipients to open a link and complete an online registration process.
The scammers use the promise of immediate financial assistance to make the announcement appear attractive and convincing.
People who visit these fraudulent websites could risk exposing their confidential information to cybercriminals.
The NCCIA has specifically advised citizens against opening unverified links or providing personal details and bank account information through unknown websites.
Authorities have also urged social media users not to forward suspicious messages to friends, relatives or online groups, as doing so could expose more people to potential fraud.
Director General NCCIA Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said the agency was following a zero-tolerance policy against cybercrime and would continue taking action against individuals involved in online fraud.
He also encouraged citizens to report suspicious digital activity and fraudulent communications through the agency’s official complaint channels.
People who encounter suspected cybercrime can contact the NCCIA helpline at 1799 or visit their nearest NCCIA circle office to lodge a complaint.
Citizens should also verify government financial assistance announcements through official government websites and authenticated social media accounts before providing any information.
Anyone who has already shared banking details or other confidential information through a suspicious link should immediately contact their bank or relevant financial service provider and take steps to secure their accounts.
The fake Rs13,000 offer highlights how cybercriminals exploit national occasions, government personalities and financial incentives to make fraudulent announcements appear genuine.
The NCCIA has urged Pakistanis to remain cautious, avoid suspicious registration links and refrain from sharing sensitive information with unknown sources.
In other news read more about: Allama Iqbal’s 149th Birth Anniversary Celebrated Across Pakistan
There is no verified government announcement supporting the claimed Rs13,000 Iqbal Day cash reward from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
