FIA Cybercrime Wing Warns Against SIM Swap Fraud
Scams and frauds related to online banking have jumped up in recent years with a plethora of complaints by the consumers
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) issued a public awareness message as it warns the citizens of a new high-tech fraud called SIM Swap.
FIA Cybercrime Wing warns the public in Pakistan against SIM Swap Fraud focusing on those using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), a communications service controlled by mobile network operators, and mobile banking.
As per the circular, hundreds of people have already fallen prey to the scam hence it is important to comprehend the fraud and how it works.
How does it work?
As per the details shared by FIA, the victim’s mobile will temporarily go blank after which he receives a call from the criminal impersonating as the representative of the respective cellular company.
Instructions will be given to get the desired button pressed and once it is done, the phone will be hacked.
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Within seconds of gaining access to sensitive information, cybercriminals can make transactions from the bank account.
Whereas, the victim will remain unaware of it as no alert is given on part of the bank.
How to avoid it?
As per Cybercrime Wing, the first thing to avoid such incidents is to be cautious when the mobile phone temporarily goes blind.
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The second major precaution is to avoid following the instructions given over the phone.
In Pakistan, Scams and frauds related to online banking have jumped up in recent years with a plethora of complaints by the consumers.
A public awareness message by the FIA Cybercrime Wing is a considerable attempt to stem swelling cybercrimes in Pakistan.
