3 min read
WhatsApp scams are on the rise in Pakistan, targeting citizens with fake messages, calls, and accounts. Fraudsters are increasingly using social engineering and impersonation tactics to trick people into sending money or sharing verification codes. Experts warn that these scams are growing in sophistication, affecting both individuals and businesses.
Amid this growing threat, the Canadian High Commission has issued a warning after discovering a fake WhatsApp number added to their Google Maps listing. Scammers, using the name “Rana Usman Khalid,” are asking citizens to pay between 250 and 450 euros, falsely claiming these are fees for appointments.
In an alert posted on X, the High Commission clarified that the entire operation is fraudulent. They emphasized that:
- They do not charge any fees for appointments.
- Appointments are not scheduled via WhatsApp.
- Citizens should only contact official email addresses and phone numbers listed on travel.gc.ca.
The High Commission urged all citizens to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious WhatsApp contacts.
Growing WhatsApp Scams in Pakistan:
This warning comes amid a broader climate of WhatsApp-related fraud in Pakistan, where regulators and cybersecurity groups have raised alarms about new and evolving scam tactics.
- The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently issued an advisory, cautioning people against messages from fake accounts impersonating WhatsApp. These often include malicious links disguised as account “verification” or “security” prompts.
- The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) reported a surge in scams where fraudsters call victims pretending to be delivery riders or officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Sharing one-time codes allows scammers to hijack WhatsApp accounts.
- Since January 2025, DRF has logged 233 cases of account hijacking. They advise enabling two-factor authentication and regularly reviewing linked devices.
- The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) recently arrested 20 individuals in a financial fraud ring. Suspects used WhatsApp and Facebook, posing as relatives or officials, to trick victims into sending money.
Why This Matters
These incidents show how WhatsApp is becoming a primary tool for cyber fraud in Pakistan. Scammers exploit trust, social engineering, and phishing, growing increasingly sophisticated.
For safety, users should:
- Never share verification codes. Legitimate services will never ask for them.
- Enable two-factor authentication. Adds extra protection.
- Verify claims. Contact institutions directly using official channels.
- Report suspicious activity. PTA, DRF, and NCCIA all accept scam reports.
The Canadian High Commission’s warning highlights that even official institutions can be impersonated. Vigilance has never been more important as WhatsApp continues to be exploited by scammers.
