People in various cities across the country have been receiving suspicious text messages on their mobile phones.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, earlier this month, a young man from Peshawar sent a parcel to his friend in Lahore. While the parcel was still en route, he received a message on his phone stating that the courier had failed to deliver his parcel. The text message further mentioned that there was a delay in delivery due to an incomplete address, and a link was provided, instructing him to click on it to enter the correct address.
According to the report, when the young man clicked on the link, he was redirected to a website. After entering the address, he was asked to pay an additional fee of 60 rupees. However, after providing all the details, nearly 58,000 rupees were deducted from his bank account.
This is actually a new trend in online fraud, where clicking on the link in the message leads to a request for not only the correct address but also bank card details. By entering their details for digital payments, the user falls into a trap known as a “phishing scheme” in the internet world.
Visa, a global credit card company, conducted a survey on online shopping and digital payments in Pakistan during 2023. The survey indicated that 91% of Pakistani users could respond to fraudulent messages. Of those surveyed, 52% said they had fallen victim to such fraud.
Fraudsters use phishing schemes on the internet to provide people with a link to a website. By clicking on this link, the victim’s personal information is obtained, which can be used for illegal purposes such as identity theft or stealing money from bank accounts. Cybersecurity experts advise against clicking on any unknown links.
What Information Are Fraudsters Looking For?
According to cybersecurity experts, in addition to ATM card information, users should also be cautious about providing other information. They refer to other phishing schemes where fraudsters ask users for their email address or password. Many people use the same email account for social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. This is the same email they use for online banking.
“When your email address and password fall into the hands of fraudsters, it’s like hitting the jackpot for them. If you’re a business person, confidential information related to your business can also be misused.”
According to experts, if you are a regular internet user, fraudsters may request money from your friends through your Facebook account. Additionally, they can withdraw money from your bank account.
How Can You Recognize a Phishing Scheme?
Cybersecurity experts suggest that users should first ensure whether the message is from the original company or not. If you receive a message from an unknown number, it should be disregarded. Companies will contact you through their official numbers rather than personal numbers.
Experts also warn that often such links are much shorter than a legitimate website address or are written in a strange manner. These links may contain viruses, or after clicking on them, you may be asked to download something. If you are asked to download or install anything, understand that there is something suspicious.
What Should You Do If You Fall Victim to a Phishing Scheme?
According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, if you fall victim to a phishing scheme, immediately inform your bank and the police. If the fraudster has details related to your bank account, your account may be temporarily frozen.
