PTA warns public against rising online job scams

ISLAMABAD; Amid a surge in online scams, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a strong warning to citizens to exercise caution when responding to online job offers and so-called “free SIM” promotions.

According to PTA, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting fake job listings on social media to steal citizens’ personal information and money.

The fraudulent advertisements, often offering high pay for part-time or remote work, lure unsuspecting individuals into sharing sensitive data.

The telecom regulator said that scammers frequently impersonate legitimate companies or create fake online surveys to collect users’ photos, locations, and other personal details.

“People should thoroughly verify the authenticity of online job offers before applying,” the PTA cautioned, emphasizing that “safety must come before financial gain.”

In a related advisory, the PTA also warned against a fast-spreading scam involving free SIM card distribution by street vendors in major cities.

The authority revealed that criminals are using such offers to collect citizens’ fingerprints, thumb impressions, and other biometric data under the guise of free internet or talk-time packages.

“These SIMs are later misused for serious criminal activities such as identity theft, financial fraud, and other illicit operations,” officials said. “Handing over a SIM card registered in your name to another person is a punishable offense.”

The warning follows a recent incident in Hyderabad, where a citizen reportedly lost Rs85,000 after fraudsters cloned his SIM card and gained unauthorized access to his bank account.

The PTA urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid sharing biometric information with unauthenticated sources, and report any suspicious activities immediately to the relevant authorities.