BISP Received 14,606 Complains Against Fake SMS Scam

Ever since its initiation in 2008, Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has developed rapidly; it is now the leading single social safety net program in Pakistan’s history. But now some groups are misusing the name of the programme. People are being sent text messages and calls on their cell phones stating that they have won some amount on behalf of BISP revealing themselves as the officials of BISP.

BISP Received 14,606 Complains Against Fake SMS Scam

BISP has received 14, 606 complains so far against fake SMS scam offering cash in the name of the organization. Mostly those who are ignorant of the scheme are caught in their fake messages as the criminals send computer-generated messages to lots of people each day and different groups are involved in the prohibited business throughout the country. These deceitful elements try to take money from simple recipients for assisting in the issuance of BISP cards or taking out their cash endowments.

Such fake messages or calls are trying to trick innocent individuals. They also give fake information that they have been selected for BISP assistance. Innocent people have also been asked to call on a given number in order to get an amount of Rs 25,000 or more.

BISP has introduced public service and SMS movements through electronic and other channels to bring awareness among people. Duplicitous callers numbers are being blocked and law-enforcement organizations are being asked to start action against them.

An official of BISP said:

“The phone numbers being used in the
scam were identified with the assistance of Telecom companies, Federal Investigation Agency, Ministries of Interior and Information and Broadcasting.”

The officials further informed that more than six thousand sims were blocked and comprehensive inquiry has been instigated to snitch the offenders behind this scheme. The official also said that penalties would be declared for those who are found guilty so that others will be stopped from doing the same activity in future.