Beware of New Year messages: Scammers targeting mobile devices, warns NCCIA

Advises users to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or sharing WhatsApp verification codes with anyone

As the New Year begins, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has warned netizens about potential cyber threats, including mobile and device hacking attempts disguised as New Year greetings or gift offers.

According to the NCCIA, precautionary measures have been issued to protect mobile and data users from cyber threats during the festive season. The agency cautions that messages containing "New Year greetings" links and "fake gift" offers are circulating widely.

⚠️ سائبر الرٹ: نئے سال کے فراڈ سے بچیں!

نئے سال کی آمد پر "مبارکباد کے لنکس" اور "جعلی تحائف" کے پیغامات گردش کر رہے ہیں۔ 🛑 کسی بھی انجان لنک پر کلک نہ کریں اور نہ ہی اپنا واٹس ایپ کوڈ کسی کے ساتھ شیئر کریں۔

اپنی خوشیوں کو ہیکرز کی نظر نہ لگنے دیں۔ محفوظ رہیں! 🔒🇵🇰#NCCIA pic.twitter.com/lG0x34VEFX

— NCCIA (@NCCIAOFFICIAL) December 28, 2025

Users are advised not to click on unfamiliar links or share their WhatsApp verification codes with anyone. Clicking on unknown links, especially those received from unfamiliar numbers, may compromise the security of mobile devices and personal data, the NCCIA advisory stated.

The directives issued by the NCCIA are part of the government's broader agenda to promote transparency.