The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) issued an advisory on July 23, 2025, alerting Pakistanis to a rising wave of cybercrimes on social media platforms.
The surge includes honey traps, extortion schemes, and fraudulent freelance job offers, particularly targeting users via WhatsApp and Telegram. Scammers exploit personal information to blackmail victims, demanding Rs1 million to Rs1.5 million. Below, we detail the advisory, scam tactics, and safety measures, based on NCERT’s official statement and cybersecurity analyses.
NCERT reports a spike in fake job offers and freelance scams across Pakistan, including Punjab. Fraudsters add users to unsolicited group chats on WhatsApp and Telegram, luring them with false job promises. Once added, victims encounter inappropriate content and face blackmail threats for reacting or ignoring it.
Scammers use victims’ WhatsApp display pictures, usernames, and online activity to target them, employing fake accounts to initiate contact. Extortion demands have reached millions, exploiting fear and embarrassment.
NCERT’s Safety Recommendations
To combat these threats, NCERT advises:
- Be Cautious of Unsolicited Offers: Avoid engaging with unknown job or freelance proposals.
- Adjust Privacy Settings: Restrict who can add you to groups on messaging apps.
- Avoid Unethical Content: Do not forward or download questionable material.
- Ignore Extortion Attempts: Refrain from responding to requests claiming to remove objectionable content.
The rise in scams highlights vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s digital landscape. With social media usage on the rise, NCERT urges stronger awareness and regulatory measures. Victims should report incidents to local authorities or NCERT’s helpline.
| Tactic | Method | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Fake Job Offers | Unsolicited WhatsApp/Telegram groups | Extortion demands up to Rs1.5M |
| Honey Traps | Explicit content exposure | Blackmail via threats of reporting |
| Data Exploitation | Use of display pictures, usernames | Targeted manipulation |
Data Source: NCERT Advisory July 2025.
Pakistan’s surge in cybercrime demands vigilance. NCERT’s advisory equips users to stay safe, but broader protections are needed to curb digital threats.
