PTA and Meta Block 176,000 WhatsApp Accounts on Recycled SIMs
WhatsApp accounts blocked: PTA and Meta have blocked 176,000 accounts linked to recycled SIM numbers used in fraud. See why and how to keep your account safe.
WhatsApp accounts blocked: the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Meta have blocked 176,000 WhatsApp accounts that were registered on recycled mobile numbers, after complaints that scammers were using such accounts for cyber fraud. The action was reported on 6 November 2026.
A recycled number is a SIM number that a telecom operator cancels because it was inactive, and later sells to a new customer. If the old WhatsApp account on that number stays active, it can be misused.
WhatsApp accounts blocked: key figures
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Accounts blocked so far | 176,000 |
| Recycled numbers shared by PTA with Meta | About 10 million |
| Recycled numbers held by operators | About 16 million |
| Numbers to be shared every month | 5,000 |
| PTA complaints resolved by Meta last year | 82% |
Why PTA asked Meta to act
PTA received multiple complaints of fraud through WhatsApp accounts that were still linked to numbers already cancelled by telecom companies. It asked Meta for a joint solution, shared a list of recycled numbers, and Meta blocked the active WhatsApp accounts linked to them. The two sides have agreed to continue the process every month, with accounts deactivated in phases.
Is your WhatsApp account at risk?
- If you use WhatsApp on a SIM that is active and registered in your name, this action does not target you.
- If you changed your number, move WhatsApp to the new number using the app’s Change Number option instead of leaving the old account.
- Keep the SIM linked to your WhatsApp active; numbers left unused for long periods can be cancelled and reissued.
- Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp settings for extra protection.
PTA has warned since August that WhatsApp accounts on inactive SIMs may be blocked. Read our guide on PTA SIM blocking rules and the recent PTA clarification on a fake TikTok ban notice.
Frequently asked questions
Why were 176,000 WhatsApp accounts blocked?
They were registered on recycled mobile numbers that scammers were using for fraud, so PTA asked Meta to block them.
Will more accounts be blocked?
Yes. PTA will share about 5,000 recycled numbers with Meta each month, and linked accounts will be deactivated in phases.
Source: TechJuice (6 November 2026), reporting PTA figures.
