NCCIA warns of fake Rs13,000 reward messages in PM's name
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency says messages offering a Rs13,000 cash reward in the name of the prime minister are fake. It warns that they may carry links meant to steal personal and banking details.
- NCCIA says Rs13,000 reward messages in PM Shehbaz Sharif's name are fake.
- The messages may carry links that steal personal and banking details.
- Cybercrime can be reported on helpline 1799.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) warned citizens on Monday against fake messages offering a cash reward of Rs13,000 in the name of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to the agency, the messages could contain suspicious links designed to steal personal information and banking details. Daily Pakistan reported that the offer was presented as an Iqbal Day gift, and that Pakistan observes the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on November 9.
Daily Pakistan reported that fraudsters circulated the messages on social media, promising money to those who follow a link and register for the alleged reward. The NCCIA said criminals are using the prime minister's name and the occasion of Iqbal Day.
The agency said that following such links could take recipients to deceptive websites that collect personal, banking and other confidential information.
An NCCIA spokesperson urged citizens not to click unverified links and not to share personal, bank account or other sensitive data. The public was also advised not to forward such messages to family, friends or online groups, and to report suspicious communication to the relevant authorities.
The NCCIA said announcements of government-backed financial assistance or cash distribution should be verified through official government platforms. Citizens were advised to rely on authentic government websites and verified channels rather than viral WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts or unfamiliar links.
NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said the agency follows a zero-tolerance policy against cyber fraud. Citizens can report cybercrime through the NCCIA helpline 1799 or at their nearest NCCIA circle office.
Background
khabr.pk reported on 6 and 7 November that Pakistan's National CERT had warned of rising AI-driven cyber threats, with banks and critical infrastructure named as main targets.
Why it matters for Pakistan
Anyone in Pakistan who receives such a message on WhatsApp, Facebook or other platforms could be targeted. A promise of Rs13,000 may attract people who then enter personal or bank details on a fake website. The NCCIA says such details can be stolen this way. Reports can be made on helpline 1799 or at an NCCIA circle office.
