NCCIA warns public against fake Rs13,000 cash reward messages on Iqbal Day

Areesha Ahmadzai • November 8, 2026 • Pakistan

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has warned citizens about fake messages offering Rs13,000 in cash rewards on Iqbal Day, November 9, Monday.

According to the agency, fraudulent messages circulating on social media falsely claim that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is offering financial assistance to citizens.

The NCCIA clarified that these messages are misleading and may be part of online scams designed to steal personal and financial information.

The agency urged people to remain cautious and avoid opening suspicious links or responding to unknown sources.

Citizens have been advised not to click on unknown links or share unverified messages with friends and family. Unverified messages should be verified through official government websites and social media accounts.

The agency also warned against providing personal details, banking information or other sensitive data through suspicious websites.

The NCCIA said public awareness and responsible internet use are important for preventing online fraud.

PTA also warns against courier delivery scams

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) warned citizens about fraudsters pretending to represent courier companies.

According to the PTA, scammers contact people by telephone claiming that a parcel or shipment is ready for delivery. They ask customers to provide a one-time password (OTP) or other personal information to complete the delivery process.

However, sharing an OTP can allow criminals to gain unauthorised access to accounts or carry out fraudulent transactions.

The PTA advised people not to share OTPs with unknown callers, even if they claim to represent a delivery company.

Both authorities have urged citizens to remain alert when receiving unexpected messages offering money or requesting personal details.