Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued an alert warning the public about a rising scam involving fake parcel notifications sent via SMS and messaging apps. These fraudulent messages impersonate legitimate courier services and attempt to mislead recipients into entering or sharing verification codes. Once a user shares such a code, it can be misused to gain unauthorized access to their accounts or digital services, posing serious threats to personal data and financial security.
According to PTA, the scam is carried out by cybercriminals who craft deceptive messages claiming to be related to parcel delivery or shipment updates. Users are often prompted to share a verification code sent to their phones under the pretext of confirming delivery details. However, these codes are typically linked to private accounts such as email, mobile wallets, or other digital platforms. By acquiring these codes, fraudsters can bypass security checks and gain control over sensitive user data.
PTA has clarified that no legitimate courier company operating in Pakistan requires customers to share one-time passwords or verification codes for processing deliveries. The authority strongly advised users to refrain from entering or forwarding any codes received via SMS or messaging apps without confirming the authenticity of the request. Sharing such codes can result in account compromise, unauthorized financial transactions, and loss of personal information.
The authority has urged citizens to exercise caution while dealing with unknown numbers, suspicious links, or unsolicited messages. If users encounter messages that appear dubious or out of context, they are encouraged to report them through PTA’s official complaint channels. PTA is working in collaboration with telecom service providers and digital platforms to identify and block numbers involved in such fraudulent schemes, as well as prevent their recurrence through detection systems and awareness campaigns.
In its advisory, PTA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting digital users by taking active measures to detect, flag, and eliminate scams that target consumer trust and data. The authority emphasized the importance of user awareness and vigilance, especially in cases where personal credentials are requested. It also reminded users to verify the identity of the sender before responding to messages, particularly those claiming to be from logistics or courier companies.
PTA’s campaign against fake parcel scams is part of a broader effort to promote safe digital practices across the country. As more citizens rely on digital communication channels for personal and business transactions, the authority continues to highlight the need for cybersecurity awareness and responsible handling of sensitive information. Public cooperation and cautious behavior play a key role in reducing the success rate of such scams and ensuring the protection of users in the online environment.
