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 says Roosevelt Hotel deal still being structured after PIA sale
- The century-old Manhattan hotel is among state-owned properties under review as Islamabad pushes a privatization drive
- Pakistan said this year it was examining multiple options after international media reported the hotel’s possible demolition
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday the government was working on structuring a transaction for the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, a day after a leading Pakistani consortium bought a majority stake in Pakistan International Airlines, as Islamabad presses ahead with efforts to offload loss-making state assets.
Asif’s comments came after the Arif Habib Group acquired 75 percent of PIA for Rs 135 billion ($482 million), marking the government’s first major privatization deal in years and reviving focus on the future of other high-value state-owned assets, including the Roosevelt Hotel, which is owned by PIA through its investment arm.
The hotel, a century-old Manhattan property located near Grand Central Terminal, Times Square and Fifth Avenue, is considered one of Pakistan’s most valuable overseas assets, though it was closed in 2020 due to heavy losses. Asked about the future of the property following the PIA privatization, Asif told Geo TV it was still a work in progress.
“The shape of the transaction is being made,” he said, adding that a previous offer of around $375 million had not materialized.
Pakistan’s privatization plans for the Roosevelt have faced repeated delays.
Earlier this year, Muhammad Ali, adviser to the prime minister on privatization, said the government was examining multiple options after Bloomberg reported plans for its demolition.
Ali said there were various options on the table, including continuing hotel operations or entering a joint venture in which Pakistan would contribute the land while a partner brings in equity.
The government also said it wanted to complete the Roosevelt Hotel’s privatization this year, though the plan does not seem close to completion.
