ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a warning for WhatsApp users across the country. The alert concerns a growing number of fake messages being sent by hackers, which aim to steal users’ private data.
According to PTA, the fraudulent messages appear to be from WhatsApp’s official account. They may even include the WhatsApp logo, making them look authentic. These messages are being sent from both local and international phone numbers.
The messages often include false claims. Some say your account has violated WhatsApp rules, while others request urgent verification. Each message typically contains a suspicious URL link. Clicking these links can result in data theft or the complete takeover of the user’s account by hackers.
PTA has urged users not to click any unfamiliar links or respond to such messages. Instead, users should immediately block the sender and report the contact using WhatsApp’s official help tools. Guidance for Android and iOS users is available through the WhatsApp Help Center.
The authority stated that these messages are designed to trick users. Even though they seem real, WhatsApp does not send such requests to its users. Any unexpected request asking for personal details or login actions should be treated with caution.
PTA also advised users to stay vigilant and keep their WhatsApp application updated. Enabling two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
The rise in such scams reflects a broader trend in cyberattacks targeting popular messaging platforms. The PTA emphasized its ongoing efforts to secure digital communication channels in Pakistan.
It also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity they encountered. Digital safety, the authority said, depends on both user awareness and strong protective measures.
This alert serves as a reminder for users to take cybersecurity seriously and avoid falling victim to scams that appear convincing but are designed to cause harm.
