Beware of this Dangerous Scam Offering Free SIM Cards

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a strong warning against a new type of scam that is stealing thumb impressions, fingerprints, and other biometric data.

According to the PTA, fraudsters often deceive unsuspecting people, especially women, by offering free SIM cards or fake financial aid schemes to trick them into providing biometric data. The SIMs obtained through such fraudulent means are frequently used in criminal activities, including financial scams and identity theft.

The PTA reminded citizens that giving a SIM card registered under their name to another person is a punishable crime. The authority stressed that everyone must remain alert and avoid sharing personal data or biometric information with unverified sources.

In a separate but related development, Meta has teamed up with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and educational platform EYEYAH! to launch an awareness campaign titled “Is This Legit?”. The initiative aims to educate Pakistanis about common online scams and fraudulent tactics.

The campaign is part of Meta’s broader Asia-Pacific (APAC) program, spanning more than 15 countries, focused on promoting digital safety and literacy.

Chairman PTA, Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, praised the collaboration with Meta, calling it a continuation of the authority’s ongoing efforts to create a secure and informed digital environment in Pakistan.

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He emphasized that raising awareness about scams is essential to protect users from the rapidly evolving tactics of online fraudsters.

Dania Mukhtar, Head of Pakistan Public Policy at Meta, said that while Meta actively removes scammers from its platforms, they constantly shift tactics, targeting multiple apps and websites simultaneously. She said:

We recognize that awareness and education are powerful tools. Through this campaign, we aim to help people in Pakistan spot common red flags engagingly, empowering them to stay safe online.

She also thanked the PTA for helping amplify this campaign, highlighting their shared mission to equip users with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the internet securely.