PTA warns citizens to protect biometric data when buying SIMs
The regulator also repeated its warning that people should never share one-time passwords with callers claiming to be from courier companies.
Citizens should give their biometric data only at authorised customer service centres, franchises or approved outlets of mobile network operators, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said in a statement on Saturday.
The authority said people buying a new SIM card or using other telecom services should first confirm why their fingerprints are being taken.
The telecommunication authority urged users not to share sensitive information with any unauthorised person or shopkeeper, saying the step aims to stop misuse of biometric data.
The regulator had earlier warned about a separate scam in which fraudsters pose as representatives of courier companies to obtain one-time passwords (OTPs) from citizens.
In that scheme, callers ask for OTPs or other confidential details on the pretext of completing the delivery of a parcel or shipment.
The authority has told citizens firmly not to share their OTP with anyone, particularly unknown callers who claim to represent courier companies or other organisations.
Biometric verification is part of the SIM purchase process in Pakistan, and mobile network operators handle it through their authorised sales points.
OTP fraud of this kind relies on urgency and impersonation, so telecom users are generally advised to end such calls and contact the company directly.
