PTA urges public vigilance against deceptive WhatsApp, social media links

• PTA says scammers trick people into clicking on malicious links.
• Such links compromise user's personal information, it says. 
• Urges public to prioritise use of its official platforms/short codes.

To ensure the safety and security of the public, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned against deceptive links shared via messages and social media platforms including WhatsApp and urged them to stay vigilant while using their cell phones.

The PTA, in a statement released on Saturday, asked the public to be wary of messages falsely claiming to be associated with its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

The telecommunication regulator stated that users must remain alert and prioritise the use of its official platforms and short codes to protect their personal information.

"PTA cautions the public against #phishing/fraudulent links circulating on WhatsApp, social media & through text messages, falsely claiming to be associated with PTA’s Device Identification Registration & Blocking System (#DIRBS)," the statement read.

It added that the message making the rounds purports to be an official communication, stating that the user’s SIM is found to be involved in “suspicious activities” and that the user should check the number of SIMs at the given link.

"Alternatively, another message warns that the user's phone registration will be suspended unless they visit the provided link," the statement further read.

The PTA also stated that these deceptive tactics are designed to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links, compromising their personal information.

"The public is urged to refrain from clicking on links from unknown numbers/senders and report such phone numbers/links for blocking through PTA’s complaint management system (toll-free number: 0800-55055, web link: https://complaint.pta.gov.pk/RegisterComplaint.aspx and PTA CMS mobile app)."

To ensure safety and security, the telecommunication authority also asked users to check the status of their device by only visiting https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk or SMS their IMEIs to 8484 from their device or through the official Device Verification App, available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.