NCCIA Warns of Fake SIMs Being Used in Financial Fraud

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has warned that fake and misused SIM cards are being used in financial fraud against citizens in Pakistan.

NCCIA officials briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom about the issue, highlighting the role of fraudulent SIMs in local financial scams.

NCCIA Warns of Fake SIMs Being Used in Financial Fraud

According to NCCIA officials, criminals are using SIM cards registered through fraudulent means to carry out scams and deceive citizens.

The officials said that tracing the actual owner of a suspicious SIM can sometimes lead investigators to an elderly woman or another individual who has no knowledge that the SIM is being used for fraudulent activities.

This creates difficulties for law enforcement agencies because the person whose identity is linked to the SIM may not be the actual individual involved in the crime.

Cooling-Off Period Introduced for SIMs

Officials told the committee that a cooling-off period has been introduced as part of efforts to prevent fraud carried out through SIM cards.

The measure is intended to make it more difficult for criminals to immediately use newly issued or transferred SIMs for fraudulent activities.

However, the policy has also raised concerns about its impact on digital transactions.

IT Minister Raises Digital Transaction Concerns

Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that imposing a cooling-off period on SIM issuance was affecting digital transactions.

The development highlights the challenge of balancing fraud prevention with the need to ensure smooth access to digital financial services.

As digital payments and mobile-based financial services continue to expand, authorities are working to strengthen SIM verification while limiting the disruption caused to legitimate users.