By Imtiaz Hussain Abro.
PTA releases cautionary notice regarding deceptive links circulating on WhatsApp and social media. PTA urges public to refrain from clicking on links from unknown numbers/senders and report them.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has called on the public to exercise caution while using their mobile phones, advising against deceptive links shared through messages and various social media platforms, including WhatsApp.
The country’s telecommunications regulatory body specifically cautioned against messages falsely claiming association with its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). Emphasizing the importance of vigilance, the PTA urged the public to prioritize the use of its official platforms and short codes to safeguard their personal information.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the PTA stated, “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).”
The statement highlighted that the circulating message falsely presents itself as an official communication, asserting that the user’s SIM is implicated in “suspicious activities” and prompting the user to verify the number of SIMs at a provided link. Alternatively, another message warns that the user’s phone registration will be suspended unless they visit the given link.
The PTA underscored that these deceptive tactics aim to entice individuals into clicking on malicious links, potentially compromising their personal information.
The public was strongly advised to refrain from clicking on links from unknown numbers or senders and to report such phone numbers/links for blocking through the PTA’s complaint management system, accessible via toll-free number 0800-55055, the web link https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/RegisterComplaint.aspx, and the PTA CMS mobile app.
In efforts to ensure safety and security, the telecommunication authority also recommended users to verify the status of their device solely by visiting https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk or by sending their IMEIs to 8484 from their device or through the official Device Verification App, available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
