The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has warned citizens about fake messages offering a Rs13,000 cash prize in the name of the prime minister, saying fraudsters are using bogus prize schemes to target people.
According to an agency spokesperson, the messages contain suspicious links that can lead to the theft of personal and banking information. The agency advised citizens not to click on unverified links, share personal or banking details, or forward such messages.
Separately, during a crackdown in Rawalpindi, the NCCIA recovered Rs3.2 million in two online investment fraud cases and arrested a suspect accused of child exploitation and blackmail.
In the first fraud case, the agency recovered Rs1.8 million from suspects who defrauded a citizen of more than Rs2.9 million. The complainant was first contacted on Facebook through an account named Misbah Sabir.
A person posing as an online businessman then approached him on WhatsApp and persuaded him to invest. The fraudsters sent a link that installed an application named “Onchainus.net” on his phone. Through the app, they allegedly took Rs2,915,872. Investigators are working to identify other persons involved and recover the remaining amount.
In the second case, the agency recovered Rs1.4 million from a fraud in which a Rawalpindi resident lost more than Rs21 million. The complainant, Muhammad Arshad, son of Ameer Khan, was added to a WhatsApp group named “v185-Wharton,” which promoted investment opportunities with high profits.
He transferred a total of Rs21,018,511 from his bank accounts to various beneficiary accounts through an app and an ATM card. The accused is currently on physical remand. The NCCIA is investigating other members of the network and seeking full recovery of the amount.
In the third action, the agency arrested a suspect accused of child exploitation and blackmail and seized a mobile phone from him. The inquiry began on a complaint by Mushtaq Khan, who reported that the suspect possessed, produced and distributed child exploitation material and blackmailed his son.
According to the complainant, the boy played online games on his mobile phone, and the suspect contacted him during gameplay and offered him a gaming ID.
The suspect then called the boy to his residence, where he allegedly exploited him and recorded videos to use for blackmail. Investigators will identify other persons involved and conduct a forensic analysis of the digital evidence.
Officials said the NCCIA will take strict action against those involved in child exploitation, blackmail, online fraud and fake investment schemes. Citizens can report cybercrime through helpline 1799 or at the nearest NCCIA circle.
