PTA Warns Public Against Courier Fraud, Urges Citizens Not to Share OTPs

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned citizens about a growing form of fraud in which criminals impersonate courier-company representatives and attempt to obtain sensitive information, including one-time passwords (OTPs), from unsuspecting customers. According to the PTA's public-awareness message, people may receive calls from individuals claiming a parcel is being delivered and asking them to share an OTP or other information to "complete" the process.

Why This Works on People

The authority said fraudsters can use convincing stories and impersonation to gain victims' trust, particularly when a caller creates urgency around releasing or delivering a parcel. PTA's cyber-crime guidance identifies impersonation and requests for confidential details — including account information, PINs, and OTPs — as common techniques used in electronic financial fraud.

PTA's Advice to the Public

• Never share an OTP with a caller, even if they claim to represent a courier company

• Avoid giving out passwords, PINs, or banking details to unknown callers

• Verify parcel information directly through the courier company's official channels

• Be especially cautious if a caller pressures you with urgency

• Report suspicious activity through the appropriate authorities or the PTA's Complaint Management System