The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued an advisory on Sunday, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution while using WhatsApp. The warning highlights a recent surge in fake messages that could potentially lead to account hacking or data theft.
According to the authority, numerous users have reported receiving suspicious messages on WhatsApp, originating from both local and international phone numbers. These deceptive messages often impersonate the official WhatsApp account, typically featuring the app’s recognizable logo and a clickable URL link. This tactic is specifically designed to trick users into believing the message is legitimate.
“The public is strongly advised not to click on any such links or respond to these messages,” the PTA stated in its advisory. It further explained that these messages might falsely claim that the recipient’s WhatsApp account is facing closure or requires urgent verification.
The advisory explicitly warned: “These links are malicious in nature and can be used to steal personal data or gain unauthorized access to users’ WhatsApp accounts.”
The regulator emphasized that such deceptive communications are part of a broader phishing campaign specifically aimed at compromising the security of mobile users across Pakistan.
The PTA has called upon the public to remain highly vigilant and to report any such suspicious incidents. “If you receive a message that seems suspicious or too alarming, especially one demanding immediate action with a link, it is best to ignore and delete it,” the statement advised.
The authority also reminded users that legitimate communications from WhatsApp will never request sensitive information or ask users to click on unofficial links.
This crucial warning comes amidst growing national concerns over digital privacy and a noticeable increase in cybercrime incidents specifically targeting communication platforms within the country.
