Authorities have issued a strong warning about a new scam targeting mobile phone users. Fraudsters are offering free SIM cards to unsuspecting individuals, tricking them into providing personal and biometric information. These SIM cards are then used for illegal activities, including financial fraud and identity theft.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has alerted the public about this dangerous scam. Scammers often approach individuals, especially women, with offers of free SIM cards or fake financial aid schemes. They convince victims to provide thumb impressions, fingerprints, and other sensitive data. Once obtained, these SIM cards are used to commit crimes such as financial scams and identity theft.
The PTA emphasizes that sharing a SIM card registered under one’s name is a punishable offense. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal data or biometric information with unverified sources. Giving a SIM card registered under their name to another person is also a punishable crime.
In response to the growing threat of online scams, Meta, in collaboration with the PTA and educational platform EYEYAH!, has launched an awareness campaign titled “Is This Legit?”. The initiative aims to educate Pakistanis about common online scams and fraudulent tactics. This campaign is part of Meta’s broader Asia-Pacific program, spanning more than 15 countries, focused on promoting digital safety and literacy.
Read More : Pakistani Lawmaker Loses Rs1.5 Million in WhatsApp Scam
