ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has declared a viral 051-7080501 scam warning fake and misleading. The authority said it issued no alert telling users not to answer calls from the number.
The social media message falsely attributed to the PTA claims that answering a call for 5 to 7 seconds could allow software to steal mobile accounts and personal data without requesting an OTP. However, PTA said the notification did not originate from the regulator.
The number itself is officially listed on the website of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL). The state-owned bank says it calls customers in Pakistan from 051-7080500 and 051-7080501. This adds an important detail missing from the viral warning.
PTA advised users not to rely on or forward unverified social media messages and to check its official channels for authentic alerts and updates. In addition, the regulator’s website provides links to its verified Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube accounts.
Read: PTA Illegal SIM Crackdown Recovers 600,000 Biometric Records
The clarification does not remove the need for normal fraud precautions. Users should independently verify unexpected callers and avoid sharing passwords, OTPs or other sensitive account information.
