ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top investigation agency, the FIA, has cautioned the public against a surge in online fraud, saying scammers were posing as officers to extort money and sensitive information from social media and email users.
The FIA is a border control, criminal investigation, counterintelligence and security agency tasked with undertaking operations against terrorism, espionage, smuggling, and infringement. Its cybercrime wing stands defunct since last month when the government established the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
“Unauthorized individuals are impersonating FIA officers and circulating fabricated notices through various electronic communication channels i.e. email, WhatsApp and other such social media platforms,” an FIA spokesperson said in a press release on Tuesday.
“These deceptive notices falsely accuse recipients of criminal activity and often employ scare tactics by threatening legal action or demanding immediate financial compensation.”
Scammers were also trying to extract “elicit sensitive personal information” under the pretense of “verification or compliance,” th FIA said, clarifying that the agency would never request sensitive information like bank details from people via phone calls or notices.
“All official communication is initiated only after prior investigation and with a clearly identified case number,” the FIA said, urging the public to “exercise caution” and report any such incident on the agency’s helpline 1991 or at the nearest FIA office.
The newly-formed NCCIA that has taken over from the FIA’s cybercrime wing will be headed by a director-general, chosen by the federal government to serve a two-year term, with at least 15 years of experience in the fields of computer science, digital forensics, cyber technology, law, public administration, information technology and telecommunication.
The NCCIA chief will exercise the powers of an inspector general of police while the agency’s affairs related to the federal government’s business will be allocated to the Interior Division. The NCCIA is also the designated agency in terms of international investigations and cooperation.
Pakistan’s top investigation agency warns public against rising online fraud
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Pakistan’s top investigation agency warns public against rising online fraud
- FIA says scammers impersonating FIA officers and circulating fabricated notices to extract sensitive information
- FIA cybercrime wing defunct since new National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency announced last month under
Pakistan Navy chief in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, discuss maritime security
- Pakistan Navy chief in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, discuss maritime security
- Navy chief calls for strengthened cooperation between hydrographic offices of both countries
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf is in Malaysia where he held talks with the leadership of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to enhance operational cooperation, capacity building and responses to maritime security challenges, the Pakistani Navy said on Sunday.
Pakistan and Malaysia have historically enjoyed close ties ever since they established diplomatic ties in 1957. Both countries have strengthened cooperation in various sectors such as defense, trade, economy, manpower exports and education over the years.
Ashraf was received at the RMN’s headquarters by Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, the RMN chief, Pakistan’s Navy said in a statement.
“Discussions focused on aligning strategic perspectives and enhancing operational cooperation, capacity building, and coordinated responses to maritime security challenges,” the statement said.
Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s contributions to regional stability through the Regional Maritime Security Patrols and its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces.
He also visited Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Center, calling for strengthened cooperation with Pakistan’s National Hydrographic Office in training, data exchange, and professional collaboration.
“The visit reaffirmed the enduring Pakistan-Malaysia naval partnership and commitment to future-oriented maritime cooperation,” Pakistan Navy said.
Pakistan’s army, navy and air force have aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation with their counterparts since last year when Pakistan and India were embroiled in a brief military confrontation.
Both countries pounded each other with missiles, drone strikes, fighter jets and artillery fire for four days until Washington brokered a ceasefire between them on May 10.
