Cyber Fraud in Pakistan: NCCIA Crackdown and How to Protect Yourself
Cyber fraud in Pakistan: NCCIA logged 227,757 complaints and Rs. 8.32bn in losses over three years. October raids, common scams and practical safety steps.
Updated 19 October 2026: cybercrime complaints can now also be made on Police Helpline 15.
Cyber fraud in Pakistan has cost more than 227,000 people a combined Rs. 8.32 billion over the past three years, according to National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) figures reported by The Express Tribune. In October 2026, the NCCIA raided illegal call centres in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore and arrested well over 150 suspects. Here is what is happening and how to protect yourself.
Cyber fraud in Pakistan in numbers
| Fraud complaints received by NCCIA (three years) | 227,757 |
| Money reported lost | Rs. 8.32 billion |
| Complaints in 2024 | 83,080 |
| Complaints in 2025 | 76,646 |
Source: NCCIA documents cited by The Express Tribune, as reported by ProPakistani. Even several serving and former lawmakers reported losing money to fraudsters.
October 2026 crackdown on call centres
- Lahore, 4 October: 36 suspects arrested in raids on illegal call centres in Faisal Town and Johar Town allegedly targeting foreign nationals (ARY News).
- Karachi, 7 October: more than 30 suspects taken into custody from a call centre near Metropole linked to an international fraud network.
- Rawalpindi: about 120 suspects arrested at six call centres allegedly involved in visa fraud, romance scams and investment fraud, with around 800 phones and laptops seized, according to media reports.
Common types of cyber fraud in Pakistan
- Fake relatives abroad: callers pose as family members overseas, send forged money-transfer receipts and ask for urgent payments. The NCCIA arrested a 10-member gang using this method in July 2026 (APP).
- Visa and job offers: promises of visas for Canada, Italy or other countries in exchange for fees, followed by forged documents.
- Prize and parcel scams: messages claiming you won a prize or have a parcel waiting, asking for a fee or OTP.
- Task and investment scams: offers of easy money for online “tasks” or high returns on investment apps.
- Romance scams: fake online relationships that end in requests for money.
How to protect yourself
- Never share an OTP, PIN or password, even with someone claiming to be from your bank or mobile operator.
- Call your relative or the organisation back on a number you already know before sending money.
- Check how many SIMs are registered on your CNIC by sending your CNIC number to 668, and report any you do not recognise. Under the new PTA SIM blocking rules, fraudulently issued SIMs are blocked immediately.
- Turn on two-step verification for WhatsApp, email and banking apps.
- Verify visa or job offers only through official embassy and government websites.
How to report cyber fraud in Pakistan
The NCCIA has advised citizens to report cybercrime through its helpline 1799. If money was taken from your bank or wallet account, also call your bank immediately to try to block the transaction. Keep screenshots, phone numbers and transaction IDs as evidence.
New: Police Helpline 15. Since 17 October 2026, police emergency call systems have been connected with NCCIA, so you can also report cybercrime by calling 15; the complaint is forwarded to the relevant NCCIA zone (APP). Read our guide on how to report cybercrime on Helpline 15.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I report cyber fraud in Pakistan?
To the NCCIA through its helpline 1799, and to your bank if money was transferred.
How much money has been lost to cyber fraud?
About Rs. 8.32 billion over three years, according to NCCIA figures.
Should I share an OTP with my bank?
No. Banks and operators do not ask for OTPs or PINs over the phone.
