The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an urgent warning, advising people against an increase in phishing scams which fraudsters imitating the regulatory agency try to get personal information.
To obtain sensitive personal information including passwords, One-Time Passwords (OTPs), or internet credentials, the PTA claimed it will never phone, email, or message anyone.
“Be careful; PTA will NEVER ask for your OTPs, passwords, or personal information over message, email, or call. Keep cautious and protect yourself,” the authority said.
The PTA advised the people to be quite cautious of phoney calls, emails, and texts meant to fool them into revealing private information. People are urged not to click on dubious links or provide any personal information to unidentifiable people.
The PTA has also included contact details for reporting such events to help fight these dishonest actions:
Regarding blocking scam numbers: report to PTA at toll free 080055055.
Inquire by calling the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at 1991.
Regarding financial frauds: Forward reports to the State Bank of Pakistan at (021) 111723.
The authorities underlined the need of safeguarding personal data and of quickly reporting any suspicious behavior in order to assist in the reduction of these negative attempts.
