Beware of Caller ID Spoofing: How Scammers Pretend to Be Government and Bank Officials Recently, a concerning case of phone fraud came to ...
Beware of Caller ID Spoofing: How Scammers Pretend to Be Government and Bank Officials
Recently, a concerning case of phone fraud came to light where a victim lost PKR 0.25 million due to a series of fraudulent calls from scammers posing as officials from Military Intelligence, FIA, and a bank. The scam unfolded as follows:
- The victim received a call from someone claiming to be from Military Intelligence, who informed him that his bank account was involved in fraudulent activities and required verification.
- When the victim expressed doubt, the caller asked him to Google the number, which indeed showed the official department’s contact details, making it seem legitimate.
- Shortly after, he received a second call, this time from someone posing as an FIA officer, reinforcing the same claim.
- Finally, he got a third call from someone pretending to be from his bank, further pressuring him to provide sensitive details.
Believing these calls to be genuine—since the numbers matched official sources when searched online—the victim fell into the trap and ultimately lost a substantial amount of money.
This raises a critical question: How do scammers manipulate caller IDs to appear legitimate, and what role does the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) play in preventing such fraud?
How Scammers Mask Their Phone Numbers (Caller ID Spoofing)
Scammers use advanced technology to alter the caller ID, making it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate government agency, bank, or other trusted entity. Some of the common techniques include:
✅ VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Technology – Scammers use internet-based phone services that allow them to modify their caller ID.
✅ Caller ID Spoofing Software – Specialized tools enable fraudsters to display any phone number they want, even official government or financial institution numbers.
✅ SIM Box Fraud – Some criminals use illegal SIM boxes to route international scam calls through local numbers, making them appear trustworthy.
Why Did Google Show the Correct Department Name?
When the victim searched for the phone number online, it matched the official number of the respective organization. However, this does not mean the call was genuine. Caller ID Spoofing tricks the phone’s display into showing a trusted number, even though the call originates from a scammer.
Remember:
🚫 Just because a number appears official doesn’t mean the call is legitimate.
🚫 Government agencies and banks never ask for sensitive details over the phone.
🚫 If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and verify independently.
The Role of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
PTA is responsible for regulating and monitoring telecom networks in Pakistan. To combat fraudulent calls, PTA:
🔹 Detects and Blocks Suspicious Numbers – PTA works with telecom operators to monitor and block scam numbers.
🔹 Implements Caller ID Verification Systems – Efforts are being made to prevent unauthorized spoofing of official numbers.
🔹 Raises Public Awareness – Regular alerts are issued to inform citizens about common scams.
However, scammers continuously evolve their tactics, making it crucial for individuals to stay vigilant.
How to Report Fraudulent Calls in Pakistan
If you receive a suspicious call, you should take the following steps:
📌 Do Not Share Personal Information – Never provide bank details, CNIC numbers, or passwords over the phone.
📌 Verify Directly from the Source – If the caller claims to be from an official entity, call the organization’s official helpline instead of relying on incoming calls.
📌 Report the Incident to PTA –
- Dial 0800-55055 (PTA Complaint Center)
- Send an email to complaints@pta.gov.pk
📌 Report to FIA Cyber Crime Wing – - Visit cybercrime.gov.pk
- Call 9911 (FIA Helpline)
📌 Inform Your Bank Immediately – If you suspect a financial scam, contact your bank’s official helpline and report the matter.
Final Thoughts: Stay Alert and Protect Yourself
Caller ID spoofing is a growing cyber threat, and anyone can become a target. The best way to protect yourself is through awareness, skepticism, and quick action. If something feels off, trust your instincts—it’s better to be safe than sorry.
🚨 Always verify before you trust. Stay informed, stay safe! 🚨
