Pakistan Sees Surge in WhatsApp & Call Center Frauds
Senate Committee Warns of Rising WhatsApp and Call Center Frauds in Pakistan
Islamabad – During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, officials from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) highlighted a sharp rise in financial fraud targeting ordinary citizens.
The NCCIA revealed that WhatsApp hacking has emerged as the most common tool used by fraudsters. In many cases, criminals impersonate friends or family members through compromised accounts to trick people into sending money.
So far, authorities have documented fraud amounting to Rs 720 million, with multiple FIRs filed across the country. To curb these activities, 63 raids have been conducted on illegal call centers nationwide.
Officials also warned that criminals are luring victims with fake overseas job offers, often using fabricated promises and the appearance of a flashy lifestyle on social media to gain trust.
In a related development, former Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) chairman Tahseen Awan was arrested in July for his alleged role in an international online fraud scheme involving foreign nationals.
The NCCIA has urged citizens to remain cautious and verify messages and calls before sharing personal information or sending money.
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