The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a clarification regarding a fake notification circulating widely on social media platforms, warning citizens against believing or sharing the unverified post.
The viral image—which illegally carries the official PTA logo alongside the tagline “Stay Safe, Stay Alert”—warns mobile phone users against answering calls originating from the landline number (051) 7080507. The fraudulent alert claims that answering a call from this specific number will allow perpetrators to compromise the victim’s mobile device, steal personal data within 5 to 7 seconds, and instantly wipe out funds held in digital wallets such as JazzCash, Easypaisa, or linked bank accounts.
Taking notice of the misleading graphic spreading across messaging apps and digital platforms, the telecom regulator formally debunked the notification, declaring it completely false.
“This news is false and misleading. PTA has not issued any such alert,” the authority stated. “The public is advised not to share or rely on unverified information circulating on social media. Follow PTA’s official social media accounts for authentic updates.”
Cybersecurity officials note that technically, simply receiving an incoming phone call cannot automatically wipe digital wallets or extract stored phone data without user action, such as sharing a One-Time Password (OTP) or clicking on a malicious link.
The authority has strongly advised citizens to refrain from forwarding alarmist messages to avoid creating unnecessary panic among the public. Users are encouraged to cross-check any security alerts, official statements, or advisories directly through PTA’s verified handles on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
