PTA steps up action to curb telecom fraud

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has intensified its crackdown on telecom fraud, blocking thousands of mobile connections and devices during the financial year 2024-25 as part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers.

According to PTA documents, a total of 1,875 mobile numbers found to be involved in fraudulent activities were blocked during the year. In addition, the authority took action against 1,604 mobile phone sets by blocking their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, effectively rendering the devices unusable on local networks.

PTA also blacklisted 69 identity cards belonging to repeat offenders involved in fraud, while 6,014 warning notices were issued to users suspected of engaging in suspicious activities. The authority said these measures reflect strong and continuous monitoring aimed at preventing the misuse of mobile services across the country.

The action against telecom fraud was carried out through PTA’s Fraud Management Module (FMM), which operates under the Spam and Fraud Protection Rules, 2020. The authority said fraud in the telecom sector is identified and prevented through a data-driven system, allowing for timely detection and enforcement.

Launched in February 2021, the Fraud Management Module has gradually evolved into a comprehensive and effective framework, PTA said. The system works in coordination with other platforms, including the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) and the Lawful Subscriber Data Management System, to strengthen fraud prevention and enforcement mechanisms.

Meanwhile, PTA’s Consumer Support Center continued to play a key role in addressing public complaints. During the financial year 2024–25, the center received more than 512,000 calls, with an average of 42,680 calls per month handled through its toll-free helpline. PTA said the center remains central to resolving telecom-related issues and supporting consumers nationwide.

The authority reiterated its commitment to safeguarding telecom users and maintaining the integrity of mobile services through strict enforcement and advanced monitoring systems.sISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has intensified its crackdown on telecom fraud, blocking thousands of mobile connections and devices during the financial year 2024-25 as part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers.

According to PTA documents, a total of 1,875 mobile numbers found to be involved in fraudulent activities were blocked during the year. In addition, the authority took action against 1,604 mobile phone sets by blocking their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, effectively rendering the devices unusable on local networks.

PTA also blacklisted 69 identity cards belonging to repeat offenders involved in fraud, while 6,014 warning notices were issued to users suspected of engaging in suspicious activities. The authority said these measures reflect strong and continuous monitoring aimed at preventing the misuse of mobile services across the country.

The action against telecom fraud was carried out through PTA’s Fraud Management Module (FMM), which operates under the Spam and Fraud Protection Rules, 2020. The authority said fraud in the telecom sector is identified and prevented through a data-driven system, allowing for timely detection and enforcement.

Launched in February 2021, the Fraud Management Module has gradually evolved into a comprehensive and effective framework, PTA said. The system works in coordination with other platforms, including the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) and the Lawful Subscriber Data Management System, to strengthen fraud prevention and enforcement mechanisms.

Meanwhile, PTA’s Consumer Support Center continued to play a key role in addressing public complaints. During the financial year 2024–25, the center received more than 512,000 calls, with an average of 42,680 calls per month handled through its toll-free helpline. PTA said the center remains central to resolving telecom-related issues and supporting consumers nationwide.

The authority reiterated its commitment to safeguarding telecom users and maintaining the integrity of mobile services through strict enforcement and advanced monitoring systems.s