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Computer crimes

WhatsApp Hacking and Financial Scams on the Rise in Pakistan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Digital payments in Pakistan have surged by 40% in volume and 62% in value, according to the State Bank of Pakistan's Annual Report 2023-24, but alongside this growth, incidents of financial fraud including WhatsApp account hacking have sharply increased. Victims of these scams have reported losing thousands of rupees, with some even transferring large sums to fraudsters. Experts warn that low digital literacy, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limited technological capacity to detect fraud continue to fuel the growing wave of impersonation scams.

Key Takeaways:

  • Faisalabad resident Muhammad Arshad lost nearly Rs150,000 after his WhatsApp account was hacked and he was impersonated to collect money from friends and relatives.
  • Beautician Alia Arshad from Zia Town lost Rs25,000 after receiving a call from an unknown number claiming she had won a JazzCash lucky draw.
  • Digital payments in Pakistan saw a remarkable increase during the last fiscal year, rising by 40% in volume and 62% in value.
  • Incidents of financial fraud, including fake calls, phishing messages, and WhatsApp account hacking, have sharply increased alongside the rapid digital expansion.
  • The Digital Rights Foundation reported receiving 233 complaints of digital scams during the first eight months of this year.
  • The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority blocked 5,294 mobile numbers, 4,507 IMEIs, and blacklisted 113 national identity card numbers to combat fraudulent calls and text scams.
  • Telecom and fintech companies have intensified preventive measures, including upgrading platform security and issuing customer awareness guides.
  • Experts warn that low digital literacy, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limited technological capacity to detect fraud continue to fuel the growing wave of impersonation scams.
  • Cybercriminals are using masking technology to disguise their phone numbers, making them appear similar to official helpline numbers.
  • Experts advise users to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all social media and communication apps and to regularly review linked devices on WhatsApp to ensure no unauthorised access.

Statistics:

  • Digital payments in Pakistan rose by 40% in volume and 62% in value during the last fiscal year.
  • Internet and mobile banking transactions reached Rs69.8 trillion across 1.34 billion transactions.
  • ATM transactions accounted for Rs15 trillion through 931.6 million withdrawals, while e-wallets contributed around 3% of total digital payments.
  • Incidents of financial fraud, including fake calls, phishing messages, and WhatsApp account hacking, have sharply increased.
  • The Digital Rights Foundation received 233 complaints of digital scams during the first eight months of this year.
  • The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority blocked 5,294 mobile numbers, 4,507 IMEIs, and blacklisted 113 national identity card numbers.
  • 19,730 mobile users were issued warnings, and 27,351 stolen or snatched phones were blocked to prevent misuse.

Sources:

  • State Bank of Pakistan's Annual Report 2023-24
  • Digital Rights Foundation
  • Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) 2024 annual report
  • National Cyber Emergency Response Team

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