"Authority Issues Alert on Deceptive Delivery Messages Demanding One-Time Passwords"
In a recent press release, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumers from online fraud, particularly courier service and One-Time Password (OTP) scams. The authority has issued a public advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant against these increasing threats.
The advisory warns about fraudulent messages masquerading as legitimate courier service notifications. These messages are designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, such as OTP codes. Banks also advise customers never to share One-Time Password codes with anyone claiming to represent their bank or the central bank.
To identify and protect yourself from these scams, follow these key guidelines:
1. Be wary of unsolicited messages or calls claiming to be from courier services asking you to confirm deliveries, provide personal information, or enter OTP codes. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has specifically warned the public about fraudulent messages impersonating courier services that request sensitive info or OTPs—never enter OTPs on suspicious links or share them with anyone.
2. Do not share your OTP with anyone, even if the request appears urgent or from someone claiming authority. OTPs are used to verify your identity for transactions, and scammers use them to access your accounts.
3. Verify any courier-related communication independently by contacting the courier company directly via official channels instead of using links or numbers provided in suspicious messages.
4. Enable strong authentication measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) on your digital accounts. This adds an extra security layer beyond just passwords, helping prevent unauthorized access even if scammers obtain some information.
5. Look for red flags in messages or calls, such as poor grammar, unfamiliar sender IDs, unexpected requests for money or personal info, and pressure tactics to act quickly. Pakistani consumers are increasingly aware of these red flags and verify legitimacy before responding.
6. Report suspicious calls or messages to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority or relevant cybercrime units to help authorities investigate and warn others.
7. Maintain personal vigilance ("firewall in your head") as advised by cybersecurity experts: avoid engaging too long with unknown callers, don't trust voice imitation in scam calls, and always fact-check before sending money or info.
These combined steps—recognizing phishing attempts, safeguarding OTPs, activating 2FA, verifying independently, and reporting fraud—are essential to protect yourself from courier and OTP scams in Pakistan. The PTA's advisory serves as a reminder to the public to be vigilant against online scams and an effort to protect individuals from potential unauthorized digital access and control over various digital accounts and personal information.
- The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) advises citizens to be aware of unsolicited messages or calls claiming to be from courier services, especially those requesting sensitive information or One-Time Password (OTP) codes.
- If you receive a suspicious message pretending to be from a courier company and requesting OTP, do not enter the code on any links or share it with anyone.
- To ensure the communication is legitimate, verify it independently by contacting the courier company via official channels rather than using the information provided in questionable messages.
- Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your digital accounts provides an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
