Citizens fall prey to online frauds

Cybersecurity experts warn phishing links, fake messages, cloned profiles are most common tools used by hackers

MULTAN:

Social media account hacking has surged in South Punjab, leaving citizens financially and mentally distressed as cyber fraudsters exploit digital platforms to extort money through deceitful tactics.

Local citizens say hackers use increasingly sophisticated methods to gain unauthorised access to personal accounts, particularly online platforms.

Once access is secured, fraudsters impersonate account holders and send urgent messages to friends and relatives requesting financial assistance, often citing fake emergencies. In one such incident, a resident of Multan, Riaz Lodhi, had his social media account hacked.

The perpetrators reportedly contacted several individuals from his friends list, demanding money under false pretenses.

Lodhi said he faced embarrassment and anxiety as he struggled to inform his contacts that his account had been compromised.

In another case, a citizen, Salman, was defrauded of Rs125,000 after cybercriminals posed as a relative and manipulated him into transferring the amount. Victims said their hard-earned savings had been siphoned off within minutes.

Cybersecurity experts warn that phishing links, fake verification messages, and cloned profiles are among the most common tools used by hackers. They urge users to activate two-factor authentication, avoid clicking suspicious links, and immediately report unusual activity.