If you are a Pakistani, you must have at least received one text message from an unknown number in your lifetime regarding fake lottery scheme, or you being a winner in Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Better late than never, PTA (Pakistan Telecommunications Authority) has finally decided to take action against all obnoxious and fraudulent calls, SMSs and fake lottery schemes.
Also Read: PTA introduces new online complaint management system to improve telcos service
PTA advertises and asks for YOUR assistance
Through an advert, PTA has informed everyone to strictly avoid transferring mobile credit to any unknown number. Any such unsolicited call or SMS demanding money, or contact details for transfer of money, must not be entertained, the authority warned. However, if anyone still sends money or obliges the spammer, then the responsibility of the consequences lies with the person only.
How do I report bogus calls/SMSs?
If you come across any such fraudulent calls or SMSs then you are requested to inform the telecom operator, FIA and PTA as per the following instructions:
To register a complaint against fake messages like Benazir Income Support Progamme, call your mobile operator. The complaint registration contact points are as follow:
- Zong 310
- Warid 321
- Ufone 333
- Telenor 345
- Mobilink 111
You may also contact the helpline 0800-26477 or FIA (UAN: 111-345-786 or www.fia.gov.pk) in case you get BISP bogus messages.
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How to block unsolicited messages and calls?
In case you get any unwanted calls or SMSs, report the contact by typing:
Sender number > Space > Type the received message > Send it to 9000
To block unsolicited marketing messages, type:
REG > Send it to 3627 > You will be registered in Do Not Call Register (DNCR)
If the problem still persists then contact your telecom operator.
You need to text or dial 420 to block unwanted numbers (for Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone and Zong). Dial or text 9211 for required unwanted number for Warid.
Just in case if everyone fails to cater your query, you can still contact PTA’s toll free helpline number 0800-55055 (for PTCL/NTC landline only) or landline 051-9225325. Moreover, you can also email your query to complaint@pta.gov.pk besides visiting PTA’s website to lodge your complaint.
