ISLAMABAD (Kashmir Digital): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued instructions to citizens on protecting their biometric data and avoiding online fraud, urging them not to share sensitive information with unauthorised individuals.
In a statement, the PTA advised citizens to complete biometric verification only at authorised customer service centres, franchises or approved sales outlets of mobile network operators when obtaining a new SIM card or accessing other telecom services.
The authority also urged users to confirm the purpose of biometric data collection before providing their fingerprints and warned against sharing sensitive information with unauthorised individuals or shopkeepers to prevent its misuse.
Cautioned over OTP scams
The PTA also cautioned citizens against a common scam in which fraudsters pose as courier company representatives and seek one-time passwords (OTPs) under the pretext of delivering parcels or shipments.
The authority said scammers could use these codes and other confidential information to carry out fraudulent activities.
Citizens have been strictly advised not to share OTPs with anyone, particularly unknown individuals contacting them while claiming to represent courier companies or other institutions.
The PTA stressed the importance of public awareness to protect citizens from digital fraud, forgery and the misuse of personal information.
