Online Scams in Pakistan: How to Spot Them and Where to Report (2026)

Online fraud in Pakistan is rising, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regularly warns the public about scam calls and fake links. Here are the most common tricks.

Common Scams in Pakistan

• Fake BISP / Ehsaas messages claiming you have won money and asking for a fee or your CNIC details.
• Fake prize and lucky draw calls (“You won a car / Rs 50,000”) pretending to be from a mobile network or TV show.
• JazzCash, Easypaisa and bank OTP fraud – callers pose as the company or bank and ask for your code.
• WhatsApp account hacks – someone asks you to share a 6-digit code “sent by mistake”.
• Fake job and work-from-home offers that ask for registration fees.
• Fake online shops on Facebook and Instagram that take advance payment and never deliver.

Where to Report in Pakistan

• NCCIA cybercrime helpline – 1799.
• PTA – complaint portal or the PTA CMS mobile app for scam calls and SMS.
• State Bank of Pakistan – 111-727-273 for banking fraud.
• Your bank or wallet helpline – call immediately to block your account.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never share OTP codes, PINs or passwords.
• Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp.
• Pay on delivery when buying from unknown online sellers.
• Check official numbers on the company’s website before calling back.

Final Thoughts

If a call or message is urgent, offers free money or asks for a code, it is almost always a scam. Hang up and check directly.