PTA issues warning on fraudulent links circulating on WhatsApp, social media

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged the public to ensure vigilance when using their cell phones, cautioning them against deceptive links shared via messages and social media platforms including WhatsApp.

The country's telecommunication regulator particularly warned against messages claiming to be associated with its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

It also urged the public to remain alert and prioritise the use of its official platforms and short codes to protect their personal information.

In a statement released on Saturday, the PTA said: "PTA cautions the public against #phishing/fraudulent links circulating on WhatsApp, social media & through text messages, falsely claiming to be associated with PTA’s Device Identification Registration & Blocking System (#DIRBS)."

It added that the message making the rounds purports to be an official communication, stating that the user’s SIM is found to be involved in “suspicious activities” and that the user should check the number of SIMs at the given link.

"Alternatively, another message warns that the user's phone registration will be suspended unless they visit the provided link," the statement further read.

The PTA also stated that these deceptive tactics are designed to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links, compromising their personal information.

"The public is urged to refrain from clicking on links from unknown numbers/senders and report such phone numbers/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)."

To ensure safety and security, the telecommunication authority also asked users to check the status of their device by only visiting https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk or SMS their IMEIs to 8484 from their device or through the official Device Verification App, available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.