Pakistan's Biggest Cybercrime: How Online Scammers Stole Rs. 3 Billion

An alarming new report reveals the scale of online scams and fraud in Pakistan. In a recent Senate Committee meeting, officials from the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) disclosed that cyber crimes account for over 60% of all complaints they receive. The estimated financial loss from these scams is a staggering Rs. 3 billion annually, though officials admit the real number is likely much higher.

The NCCIA highlighted common tricks used by fraudsters:

• Fake Courier Calls: Scammers pretend to be delivery services to steal personal information.

• Mobile Code Scams: They trick users into sharing codes that grant access to their devices.

• WhatsApp Hacking: Accounts are hijacked to extort money from the victim's contacts.

In just the past year, authorities have busted 63 illegal call centers and arrested over 450 suspects, exposing fraud worth Rs. 720 million.

The Senate committee also turned its attention to the telecom industry. Lawmakers expressed outrage over a Rs. 6 billion tariff approval for Jazz, with auditors claiming that crucial records were not provided. Concerns were also raised about the transparency of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and its role in regulating the sector.

The committee has now summoned the Ministry of IT, SECP, and the PTA to present all relevant records at the next session to ensure accountability and protect consumers.