SIM fraud is one of the most common scams in Pakistan. It can be a fake "Benazir program" prize message, a caller pretending to be from your bank, or even a SIM issued on your CNIC without your knowledge. Knowing how to report SIM fraud quickly can stop the scammer and protect others. This guide explains the full process in the right order: operator first, then PTA, then the cybercrime authorities.
Common types of SIM fraud
- Prize and lottery scams: "You have won a car / cash. Send a fee to claim."
- Fake bank or wallet calls: callers ask for your OTP, PIN or card details.
- Impersonation: someone pretends to be a relative in trouble and asks for money.
- SIM swap: a fraudster gets a duplicate of your SIM to take over your accounts.
- SIM in your name: a SIM is issued on your CNIC without your consent.
Before you report: collect evidence
- Take screenshots of messages, WhatsApp chats and call logs.
- Note the number, date, time and what was said.
- Keep receipts of any money you sent (transaction ID, wallet number).
- Do not delete anything, even if it is embarrassing.
How to report SIM fraud: step 1 — your operator
Call your operator's helpline and report the fraudulent number. Operators can block numbers used for scams and investigate SIMs issued without proper verification.
| Operator | Helpline |
|---|---|
| Jazz | 111 |
| Zong | 310 |
| Telenor | 345 |
| Ufone | 333 |
If you suspect a SIM swap (your SIM suddenly loses signal), call immediately from another phone and ask them to block the duplicate. If a SIM is on your CNIC without permission, follow our guide to block an unknown SIM on your CNIC.
How to report SIM fraud: step 2 — PTA complaint
If the operator does not solve the issue, or you want to record an official complaint, contact PTA:
- Online: complaint.pta.gov.pk — create an account, choose the complaint type and attach your evidence.
- Phone: 0800-55055 (toll-free).
- PTA mobile app: available on official app stores.
PTA can direct the operator to act on spam and fraudulent numbers. Keep the complaint number you receive.
Step 3 — cybercrime helpline (NCCIA 1799)
If you lost money, were threatened or blackmailed, or your identity was used for crime, report to the cybercrime authorities. Call 1799 (National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, which took over cybercrime work previously handled by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing). You can also file a written complaint with your evidence. They have legal power to trace the owner of the number and take action under PECA 2016.
Reporting financial fraud
If money was taken from your bank or mobile wallet (Easypaisa, JazzCash), call your bank or wallet helpline immediately to block the transaction and your account if needed. Then follow the steps above. The faster you act, the better the chance of stopping the transfer.
What not to do
- Do not try to find the scammer's identity using "SIM database" sites. They are fake or illegal — see live tracker sites: real or fake?
- Do not call the scammer back or threaten them.
- Do not send more money to "release" a prize or refund.
How to protect yourself in future
- Never share OTPs, PINs or CNIC photos with callers.
- Check SIMs on your CNIC regularly with 668 — see how to check SIMs on your CNIC.
- Give your fingerprint only at official franchises.
- Remember: banks, PTA and operators never ask for your OTP.
Summary
Here is how to report SIM fraud in Pakistan: save evidence, call your operator helpline, file a PTA complaint at complaint.pta.gov.pk or 0800-55055, and contact the cybercrime helpline 1799 for money loss or threats. Acting quickly protects you and others. For quick answers, visit our FAQs.
If you find an unknown SIM on CNIC records while reporting fraud, ask the operator to block the SIM immediately and keep the complaint reference with your PTA complaint.
