The Maryam Nawaz Eidi scam is circulating online ahead of Eid ul-Fitr, using the Punjab chief minister’s name to lure people with a fake Rs5,000 offer. The scheme, widely shared on WhatsApp and social media, falsely claims that all residents aged 12 or older can receive money via Easypaisa or JazzCash.
According to the sources, investigators and cybersecurity experts have confirmed that the offer is fraudulent. The scam uses a misleading website, govtpunjab.com.pk, designed to resemble an official government portal, even though it has no connection to the Punjab government.
How the Maryam Nawaz Eidi Scam Works
The fake scheme asks users to register by entering personal and financial details. These include CNIC numbers, mobile numbers and digital wallet information.
That creates serious risks for anyone who interacts with the site. Security analysts say victims could face identity theft, financial fraud or misuse of their personal data for illegal activity.
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Experts also found that the site links to gambling apps. This suggests the platform may also be designed to earn referral income while harvesting user information.
Officials Say No Such Maryam Nawaz Eidi Scheme Exists
Officials have clarified that neither Maryam Nawaz nor any credible institution has launched such an Eidi programme. They stressed that official government initiatives are hosted only on verified domains such as punjab.gov.pk.
They also said personal information is not collected through private or unofficial websites. That distinction is important because scammers often rely on familiar names and branding to make fake offers appear authentic.
Authorities warn that people who fall for the scam may lose money from mobile wallets or become targets of SIM-swap fraud. In other cases, stolen identity details could be used for further criminal activity.
As Eid ul-Fitr approaches, officials say people should be extra careful with links received through WhatsApp, Facebook and other platforms. They advised citizens not to share sensitive information, such as CNIC details, wallet credentials, or banking PINs, with unknown sources.
The case also highlights a broader pattern: scammers often exploit the names of public officials during major holidays to build trust quickly and spread false offers at scale
