ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is warning consumers against Benazir Income Support Programme messages trying to con consumers into identity and monetary frauds. Fraudulent messages are sent to consumers to lure them into sending information and/or money.
How the fraud works?
Messages are sent to consumer posing as Benazir Income Support Programme agents announcing that the consumer has been selected for a cash prize usually around 25,000 PKR. Consumers are further informed that their National Identification number was already registered with the programme. They are further directed to contact the number provided in the message.
Contact information is used for a range of reason the chief among them is formation of listing for marketing purpose. The data is then sold online to different marketing purposes and lead generation.
Monetary fraud is initiated by asking beneficiaries to pay an initial processing fee ranging up to 3,000 rupees to acquire the actual amount.
PTA is sending messages to consumer warning them about the fraudulent practices. In the past Benazir Income Support Programme and Federal Investigative Agency’s Cyber Crime cell have also issued warnings against such practices.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
