A new SMS scam targeting mobile users has emerged in Pakistan, using messages that appear to come from an official telecom messaging thread to trick customers into claiming fake reward points. The SMS informs recipients that they have accumulated thousands of reward points that are about to expire and urges them to redeem gifts through a website linked in the message. Because the SMS appears in the same conversation as genuine service notifications, it can easily mislead users into believing the offer is legitimate.
In the reported case, the recipient received a message claiming they had 9,986 reward points available for redemption. The linked website displayed several products, including electronic gadgets, and allowed users to select an item as a reward. However, before completing the process, users were asked to pay shipping charges of Rs. 300 or Rs. 600, depending on the selected delivery option. The website closely resembled an authentic rewards portal, making it difficult for unsuspecting users to recognize it as fraudulent.
Instead of making the payment, the recipient contacted customer care to verify the offer. The company confirmed that no such rewards campaign exists and stated that it is already aware of the ongoing scam. The incident shows that fraudsters are exploiting trusted SMS threads and fake websites to deceive users into making small payments and potentially exposing personal information.
Users are advised to verify promotional offers through official customer support channels before clicking on links or making payments. Cybersecurity experts also recommend checking website addresses carefully, avoiding unsolicited SMS links, and reporting suspicious messages to the service provider. Remaining cautious and verifying offers through official platforms can help prevent financial loss and reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing and online fraud.
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