The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a public advisory warning users about the increasing circulation of fraudulent WhatsApp messages aimed at misleading and defrauding citizens. These deceptive messages, often sent from both local and international numbers, misuse the official WhatsApp logo and contain suspicious links that can lead to data theft or account hacking.

According to the PTA, the messages falsely claim that users’ accounts will be suspended due to policy violations and urge recipients to verify their identity through unofficial means. “These messages are not from WhatsApp,” the PTA clarified, stressing that WhatsApp does not send such notifications and that the activity violates its policies.

The authority advised users to refrain from interacting with such messages, to avoid clicking on any unverified links, and to block any suspicious numbers immediately. It also urged the public to remain cautious while using digital platforms in order to protect themselves from online fraud.

To support users, the PTA has issued guidelines for reporting suspicious WhatsApp activity and encouraged people to use the official WhatsApp Help Center for assistance. Reporting instructions for both Android and Apple users are provided through dedicated help pages.

The PTA further recommended that users enable two-step verification in WhatsApp to improve digital account security. “The public needs to be careful to protect themselves against data theft and online fraud,” the PTA stated.

In a related advisory issued in June, the PTA also reminded mobile users to ensure their SIM cards are registered under their own names. Through a public notice, the authority warned that stolen identity data can be used to obtain illegal SIMs, which may then be used for fraudulent or criminal purposes.

The PTA reiterated its commitment to digital safety and urged users to follow official security guidelines and remain alert while interacting on mobile platforms.