KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has raised the alarm over an emerging and dangerous scam involving street vendors offering “free SIM cards” in exchange for biometric verification. These deceptive offers, often made in busy markets and public areas, are being used to steal citizens’ sensitive biometric information, leading to identity theft and financial crimes.
Street vendors across major cities are luring people—especially women and senior citizens—with promises of unlimited free calls and internet data. However, the so-called free SIM cards come at a heavy cost: the theft of fingerprints and thumb impressions, which are then misused for illegal activities.
The PTA has warned that SIM cards obtained through such unauthorized sources are frequently used in serious criminal operations, including identity fraud, fake financial aid programs, and large-scale financial theft. Officials stressed that lending or transferring a SIM card registered under one’s own name is a punishable offense under Pakistani law.
A recent case in Hyderabad highlighted the severity of the issue when a citizen lost Rs 85,000 after fraudsters cloned his SIM card and accessed his bank account. Using the cloned SIM, criminals carried out multiple unauthorized transactions, exposing critical vulnerabilities in telecom and banking security systems.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting weaknesses in biometric verification systems and the public’s lack of awareness about digital safety.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an investigation into the incident, requesting transaction and account details from the concerned bank and telecom operator. Authorities urged citizens to only obtain SIM cards from authorized service centers and to never share their personal or biometric data with unverified individuals.
Officials reaffirmed that protecting citizens’ digital identities remains a national security priority, emphasizing that vigilance and awareness are essential to counter these evolving threats.
