WhatsApp Scam Alert: DRF Warns Users in Pakistan to Stay Vigilant
Lahore, Pakistan — August 5, 2025
The Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) has issued a public alert warning Pakistani citizens of a new WhatsApp scam targeting users through fake calls requesting verification codes, potentially compromising their accounts.
WhatsApp remains one of the most popular messaging platforms in Pakistan, with an estimated 52 million users in 2024, making the country the seventh-largest user base globally, according to the World Population Review. Its widespread use, including within legal and professional sectors, makes it a prime target for scammers.
🎯 How the Scam Works
According to the DRF, multiple reports have emerged where fraudsters pose as delivery agents or officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC). These individuals contact users and attempt to trick them into sharing a verification code, which results in unauthorized access to the victim’s WhatsApp account.
“Victims receive calls claiming urgent verification is needed for educational degrees. When the victim shares the code, their account is compromised,” explained a DRF representative.
In some cases, the scammers pretend to be courier service agents, but DRF clarified that legitimate delivery codes are only sent from official company numbers.
🛡️ Safety Tips from DRF
To help users stay protected, the DRF recommends:
-
Never share verification or OTP codes with anyone over the phone.
-
Verify the identity of the caller through official helplines before responding.
-
Enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp and all social media accounts.
-
Regularly check the “Linked Devices” section in WhatsApp and immediately remove any suspicious devices.
-
Report scam calls to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) at 0800-55055.
-
If affected, contact the DRF’s Digital Security Helpline at 0800-39393 (9am–5pm daily).
📈 Rise in Scam Reports
Between January and July 2025, DRF received 233 reports of WhatsApp-related scam calls. Other scam types include:
-
Fake JazzCash helpline impersonations
-
Kidnapping scam calls demanding ransom
-
Phishing links used to hack social media accounts
Once compromised, scammers often impersonate victims to request “urgent financial help” from their contacts.
🔐 DRF’s Digital Support Services
DRF’s Digital Security Helpline offers:
-
Support in account recovery
-
Social media awareness campaigns
-
Help in escalating high-risk cases to relevant platforms
-
Legal guidance where applicable
Helpline lead Hyra Basit highlighted that AI-powered scams are growing more sophisticated, making it harder for the public to detect fraud. She emphasized the importance of a strong data protection law and accessible complaint mechanisms to protect users’ digital rights.
“Despite repeated warnings, people still fall victim to these scams,” said Basit. “We need better public awareness and stronger legal safeguards.”
🚔 Action Against Cybercrime
In recent developments:
-
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency raided an illegal call centre in Islamabad in July, arresting five foreign nationals involved in scam activities.
-
In May, Pakistan’s Cyber Emergency Response Team issued a high-level advisory, reporting that the login credentials of over 180 million users had been compromised in a global data breach.
📢 Final Advice
With the digital landscape evolving rapidly, users are urged to remain vigilant, never share personal codes or passwords, and stay informed through trusted sources.
