Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned the public against a fabricated notification circulating on social media that falsely claims calls from the number 051-7080507 could put funds held in mobile wallets and other mobile accounts at risk. The notification carries the PTA logo and presents itself as an official public alert, but PTA has clarified that it did not issue the notice. The regulator has described the circulating notification as false and misleading and urged citizens to exercise caution when receiving information through social media platforms, particularly when such messages appear to carry official government or regulatory branding.
According to the fake notification, answering calls from the specified number could potentially expose funds held in services such as Easypaisa and other mobile accounts to financial risk. PTA has rejected the claim and clarified that no such alert was issued by the authority. The development highlights the growing challenge posed by fabricated notices that use official logos, names and formats to make false information appear credible. Such messages can create unnecessary concern among mobile users and may also contribute to the spread of misinformation if recipients forward them without verifying their authenticity. PTA has therefore advised citizens not to rely on or share unverified information circulating on social media.
PTA has asked the public to obtain information through its official social media accounts and other verified communication channels rather than relying on forwarded messages or unofficial notifications. The advisory comes at a time when authorities are also taking action against fraudulent telecom activities and misuse of SIM cards. Earlier, PTA Chairman briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior about joint operations conducted with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), during which authorities recovered biometric data belonging to around 600,000 people. The briefing also stated that 125 joint raids resulted in the recovery of 25,000 SIM cards and action against 171 suspects.
The PTA briefing further highlighted concerns surrounding the security of biometric information, with officials stating that biometric records had been leaked from the facility where they were stored. The Minister of State for Interior subsequently called for stronger measures to protect sensitive data. PTA also informed the committee that around 1.8 million SIM cards had been blocked over the previous two and a half years, while the subscriber verification system is being upgraded in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Against this backdrop, PTA’s warning about the fabricated notification reinforces the need for mobile users to verify alerts before acting on them, particularly when messages involve financial accounts, SIM cards, personal information or claims attributed to regulatory authorities.
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