The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has uncovered a group allegedly involved in defrauding taxi drivers through fake SIM cards, WhatsApp and online accounts.
An NCCIA spokesperson said the suspects posed as government officials and booked rides in areas near the Red Zone in Rawalpindi. They allegedly cited hospital bills and medical emergencies to persuade drivers to send them money.
After receiving the payments online, the suspects cancelled the rides and cut off all contact with the drivers, the spokesperson said. A case has been registered against the suspects, and further investigation is underway.
Earlier, the NCCIA in Lahore arrested the alleged mastermind of an international online fraud scheme worth Rs35 billion. Investigators allege that a website set up to sell counterfeit US postage stamps was used to sell more than five million fake stamps.
Authorities conducted raids at 35 locations across Punjab, Islamabad and Sindh to arrest the suspect.
The NCCIA said the crackdown is being carried out under the zero-tolerance policy of its Director General, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, and targets international cyber fraud and activities that could damage the reputation of the country.
