Pakistan Scams: Online, Financial & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Pakistan and how to report them to the NCCIA, FIA, and your bank.
Emergency number: 15 (police), 1122 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Pakistan faces significant volumes of online fraud including banking and mobile-money phishing, investment scams, fake job offers, and social media impersonation. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) — established in 2024 as an independent authority replacing the FIA's Cyber Crime Wing — now handles digital crime investigations. Citizens can file reports online at complaint.nccia.gov.pk or call the helpline 1799. Pakistani banks and mobile money providers have fraud reporting channels, and speed is critical after any suspected fraudulent transfer. With a large mobile-money user base, SIM-swap and mobile-wallet phishing are particularly prevalent threats.
Common scams
- Banking and mobile-wallet phishing targeting credentials and OTPs
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Fake job offers requiring upfront fees
- Social media impersonation and advance-fee fraud
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging or unofficial taxi and transport operators
- Fake tour guides and counterfeit goods sellers
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating banks or mobile-money services
- Fake online shops and marketplace non-delivery
- SIM-swap attacks enabling account takeover
Job scams
- Fake overseas job offers requiring upfront visa or processing fees
- Task scams via WhatsApp and Telegram
Romance scams
- Social media and messaging-app romance with escalating financial requests
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank or mobile-money provider immediately to flag the transaction
- File a complaint with the NCCIA online at complaint.nccia.gov.pk or call 1799
- For emergencies, call 15 (police) or 1122
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Police
- NCCIA helpline — Call 1799 to report cybercrime to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank or mobile-money provider immediately after discovering a fraudulent transaction — the faster you report, the greater the chance of freezing funds. Never share OTPs, mobile banking PINs, or account passwords with anyone, including callers claiming to be from your bank.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the NCCIA?
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) is Pakistan's independent cybercrime authority, established in 2024 to replace the FIA's Cyber Crime Wing. It investigates digital crimes and accepts public complaints at complaint.nccia.gov.pk or by calling 1799.
How do I report an online job scam in Pakistan?
File a complaint with the NCCIA at complaint.nccia.gov.pk. Preserve all evidence including messages, payment receipts, and job advertisement screenshots. Be aware that any 'job offer' requiring you to pay fees upfront is almost certainly fraudulent.
Are SIM-swap attacks common in Pakistan?
Yes. Fraudsters obtain a replacement SIM card for a victim's number by providing forged documents to a mobile operator, then use it to intercept OTPs and take over banking and mobile-money accounts. Contact your mobile operator immediately if you lose signal unexpectedly, and notify your bank.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance