KARACHI: Cybercrime authorities in Pakistan have initiated prompt action following a sharp increase in complaints regarding unauthorized money transfers from citizens’ accounts through mobile banking applications. The fraudulent scheme relies heavily on unauthorized duplicate SIM issuance and leaked personal banking data, impacting both the general public and members of parliament.
Following directives from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, a joint investigation team comprising the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been formed. This task force will scrutinize compromised banks, SIM issuance protocols, and telecom franchises to map out the cybercrime network and protect citizens’ funds.
The fraudsters’ primary technique involves obtaining confidential user data to issue duplicate SIM cards without the account holder’s consent. Upon activation, the victim’s original SIM suddenly loses service, allowing scammers to intercept One-Time Passwords (OTPs), gain access to mobile banking applications, and transfer money out before the user can react. Investigators suspect potential collusion among cybercriminals, telecom franchise staff, and bank employees, noting that stolen funds are frequently funneled through branchless banking platforms like JazzCash and EasyPaisa to mask the final recipients.
Authorities emphasize that allegations against specific employees and institutions remain under active investigation, with final responsibilities to be determined upon completion of the probe. In the meantime, citizens are strongly advised to regularly monitor their account activities, strictly refrain from sharing OTPs or banking details, and immediately alert both their mobile operator and bank if their SIM card abruptly deactivates.
