Online transaction fraud has become an alarming threat and immediate attention is crucial before more innocent people fall victim to these criminal networks. In recent months, incidents of online transaction fraud appear to have risen sharply, yet the measures required to curb this menace are still not being implemented. Fraudsters have developed highly deceptive methods and operate in a highly organised manner. They use multiple phone numbers: one number for calls, another for WhatsApp and a separate number for sending fake transaction messages. This makes tracing them extremely difficult. This raises an important question: Where do they obtain so many SIM cards in the first place? Unfortunately, illegal SIM sales have become common across streets, markets and roadside kiosks. People are lured with ‘free SIMs’, free balance and free internet offers and their biometric data is misused to issue multiple SIMs without their knowledge. Many individuals unknowingly have two or more SIMs issued in their name later used in such fraudulent activities.
AI technology has made the situation even worse. Fake screenshots, edited account titles and fabricated transaction proofs can now be created within seconds, giving fraudsters an added advantage and making the public even more vulnerable. In this alarming situation, it is crucial that the relevant authorities and agencies: Take strict action against illegal SIM sellers, completely ban the sale of SIMs on roadsides and unregistered locations and ensure that SIM issuance is allowed only through verified and authorised franchises. Any loopholes msut be closed.
Hayan Ahmed Khan
Islamabad
