Islamabad: Shocking revelations have emerged during investigations into Pakistan’s recent data leaks scandal. According to reports, websites on the dark market are not only selling citizens’ personal information but also offering fraudulent software that can mask or alter a caller’s true identity.
These tools allow criminals to impersonate representatives of banks and other institutions, enabling them to deceive unsuspecting citizens. Thousands of people across the country have reportedly fallen victim to such scams, resulting in heavy financial losses.
A day earlier, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a clarification, stating that initial findings suggest the leaked data did not originate from licensed mobile operators. Instead, the information was collected through illegal websites and applications.
PTA confirmed that sensitive details such as CNICs, family information, and travel records were harvested through unauthorized platforms. However, audits of licensed mobile operators revealed no evidence of direct data breaches.
Authorities further revealed that a crackdown on these illegal platforms is ongoing. So far, 1,372 websites and mobile applications involved in the unlawful sale of personal data have been blocked.
The PTA has urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers or messages, stressing that caution is the only way to avoid falling prey to such cyber fraud schemes.
