MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A suspected fraud network operating in Muzaffarabad and nearby areas in Azad Kashmir has been noticed, allegedly deceiving innocent citizens by using the name of the internationally renowned cosmetics brand NIVEA.
The group is allegedly attempting financial fraud by luring people with fake claims of winning a Suzuki Swift car through a lucky draw.
Victims are being provided with a suspicious letterhead under the title “NIVEA PAKISTAN”, containing congratulatory messages claiming that the recipient has won a Suzuki Swift after purchasing NIVEA Cream.
The letter would ask citizens to immediately contact the provided numbers and collect the prize within a limited time period.
The authorities, during preliminary investigations, found that the letterhead mentions the following office address: “Plot No. –, Nooriabad Industrial Estate, National Highway, 80 KM From Karachi.”
The inquiries further revealed that while Nooriabad is indeed a real industrial area, there appears to be no verified or registered head office operating under the name “NIVEA Pakistan” at the mentioned address. No authentic business or industrial record could confirm the existence of “NIVEA Pakistan Plot No. –.”
Sources said the fraudsters left several lacunas in the letter, including poor English, low-quality printing, the use of a personal mobile number, and phrases such as “Limited Time 3 Days – tactics commonly associated with online and phone scams.
Authorities note that NIVEA is an internationally recognized brand owned by the German company Beiersdorf AG, and no credible advertising or promotional campaign involving “winning a car” in Pakistan has been officially reported by the company.
Muzaffarabad people
Public circles fear that the fraudsters may attempt to obtain registration fees, token tax payments, file charges, or sensitive banking information.
Cybercrime experts have advised public to avoid transferring money to unknown individuals or accounts.
They have asked people to never share CNIC or banking details with unverified sources.
Citizens have urged the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take immediate action against those involved in scams to protect the public from financial losses.
