PTA warns public against fraudulent links

Authority asks SIM users to only use official platforms

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued special instructions to the people about fraudulent links, advising them to remain vigilant and only use official platforms for services.

According to a statement, the PTA’s instructions are related to phishing and fraudulent links circulating on WhatsApp, social media platforms, and through text messages.

It has been clarified that these links were not associated with the PTA’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

The misleading message states that the user's SIM has been found involved in "suspicious activities".

It adds that the user should check their number of SIMs at the given link.

Read PTA alerts public on phishing scams

Another message making the rounds claims that the user’s phone registration will be suspended unless they click the provided link.

The PTA said these deceptive tactics were designed to trick individuals into clicking on these malicious links, compromising their personal information.

The public has been urged to refrain from clicking on links from unknown numbers or senders and report such phone numbers or links for blocking through PTA’s complaint management system (toll-free number: 0800-55055, web link: https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/RegisterComplaint.aspx and PTA CMS mobile app).

The authority has asked users to check the status of their device by only visiting https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk, SMS IMEIs to 8484 from their device, or through the official Device Verification App, available on both Google PlayStore and Apple App Store.

The PTA has informed the public not only to remain vigilant against such scams, but also prefer using only official platforms/shortcodes to ensure the safety of their personal information.