Biometric information must only be provided at official franchises, customer service centres, or approved sales outlets of mobile network operators, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. The regulatory body issued a public awareness advisory urging citizens to stay cautious during any telecommunication service interactions. Protecting personal data remains critical to stopping identity fraud.
Securing your data during SIM card registration
Citizens must carefully check where they submit their fingerprints when purchasing new SIM cards or requesting telecom updates. The authority stated that users should document specific details whenever they visit physical locations for verification. Keeping track of these details ensures accountability.
- Note the name of the mobile network operator
- Record the exact address of the sales outlet
- Verify the specific purpose of fingerprint collection
The regulatory authority emphasized that avoiding unnecessary disclosure of sensitive details to unverified individuals prevents potential data breaches. Public vigilance stops bad actors from misusing personal fingerprints.
Courier fraud and OTP protection
In a separate advisory, the authority warned the public about fraudulent callers posing as courier representatives. Scammers frequently call individuals claiming a parcel delivery is pending, then ask for confidential details. Citizens were explicitly directed never to share one-time passwords with unknown callers.
Why it matters
Safeguarding personal data stops criminals from misusing fingerprints and sensitive credentials for illegal activities. Following official guidelines protects everyday mobile users from identity theft and unauthorized telecom account registrations.
What Happens Next
The regulatory authority will continue monitoring telecommunication service channels and issuing public advisories to curb rising digital scams across the country.
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