Massive SIM Fraud Uncovered in Lahore: How to Protect Yourself

In a significant operation, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) recently uncovered a massive SIM card fraud in Lahore, uncovering a trove of personal data and arresting several individuals involved in the illicit trade. This incident underscores the critical importance of safeguarding personal information and being vigilant about unauthorized SIM cards registered under one’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).

Massive SIM Fraud Uncovered in Lahore

Acting on intelligence reports, FIA officials conducted a raid on Rajput Road in the Shad Bagh area of Lahore. During the operation, they seized:

• Data containing 11,000 digital fingerprints, allegedly sold by corrupt employees of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
• Five Biometric Verification System (BVS) devices.
• 1,500 paper fingerprints.
• A laptop and a scanner.

The recovered data included identity card details of citizens from Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Authorities have registered a case under the complaint of the Zonal Director of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and are preparing a technical report on the seized equipment.

The Implications of Unauthorized SIMs

Unauthorized SIM cards pose significant risks, including:

• Financial Fraud: Perpetrators can use these SIMs to conduct fraudulent activities, leading to financial losses for unsuspecting individuals.
• Criminal Activities: Such SIMs can facilitate illegal activities, making it challenging for law enforcement agencies to trace culprits.
• Identity Theft: Personal information can be misused, leading to potential legal complications for the victims.

Staying Safe: How to Check SIMs Registered Against Your CNIC

To ensure your personal information isn’t being misused, it’s essential to verify the number of SIMs registered under your CNIC. Here’s how you can do it safely:

1. Through PTA’s SIM Information System:
   • Visit the Website: Go to the PTA SIM Information Website.
   • Enter Your CNIC: Input your CNIC number without any dashes.
   • Complete Verification: Check the box to verify you’re not a robot and click ‘Submit’.
   • View Registered SIMs: A table will display the number of active SIMs registered against your CNIC, categorized by the telecom operator.
2. Via SMS:
   • Compose a Message: Open your phone’s messaging app and type your CNIC number without any hyphens.
   • Send to 668: Send this message to 668.
   • Receive Details: You’ll receive a reply showing the total number of active SIMs against each operator issued on your CNIC. Please note that each SMS to 668 incurs a charge of PKR 2 plus tax. citeturn0search1

What to Do If You Find Unauthorized SIMs

If you discover SIMs registered under your CNIC that you did not authorize:

• Contact the Relevant Telecom Operator: Visit the customer service centre of the respective company with your original CNIC and request the blocking of the unauthorized SIM.
• Report to Authorities: Inform the FIA or local law enforcement agencies to investigate potential misuse of your personal information.

The recent FIA operation in Lahore highlights the pervasive issue of unauthorized SIM registrations and the associated risks. By proactively monitoring the SIMs registered against your CNIC and promptly addressing any discrepancies, you can protect yourself from potential fraud and identity theft.