PTA warns: calls from 'PTA', banks or couriers asking for your OTP or CNIC are fraud

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has again warned people about fraud calls and messages from people who pretend to be officials. In its advisory of 15 September 2026, PTA said callers are posing as PTA staff, banks and courier companies to get people's private details.

How the trick works

• The caller says your SIM, bank account or mobile wallet will be blocked in a few minutes unless you "verify" it now.
• They ask for your CNIC number, the one-time password (OTP) that has just arrived by SMS, your ATM PIN or a password. Some also ask for biometric verification.
• The number on your screen can look official. PTA has warned earlier this year that fraudsters use spoofed or fake UAN numbers, so the caller ID alone proves nothing.

With your OTP they can log in to your WhatsApp, link your wallet to their own phone or approve a payment from your account. The pressure ("only five minutes left") is there so that you do not stop to think.

What PTA says

PTA asks people not to respond to unverified calls, messages or links, whoever the sender says they are, and not to open unfamiliar links that arrive by SMS or on messaging apps. Any unexpected request for an OTP, PIN, CNIC details or a password should be treated as fraud.

PTA, banks and wallet companies do not need your OTP or PIN on a phone call. If you are worried about your SIM or account, end the call and contact your operator or bank yourself on the number printed on your card or shown on their official website.

Where to complain

PTA takes complaints on its portal complaint.pta.gov.pk, on its toll-free line 0800-55055, through its WhatsApp assistant 0315-0055055 and in the PTA Complaint Management System app. If money has already left your account, call your bank first, then report the fraud to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on 1799.