The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a cautionary notice urging consumers to avoid purchasing cloned or duplicate mobile devices. The PTA plans to block such devices to curb illegal activities.
In their recent announcement, the authority stressed the importance of buying from trustworthy sources, ensuring that the mobile device comes with a warranty, is box-packed, has the PTA stamp on the packaging, and features matching IMEI numbers on the box and the device itself.
Users are advised to verify their devices’ IMEIs either through the Dirbs website or by texting the IMEI number to 8484. If the PTA notified them of a potential cloned device, users should validate their IMEI by dialling *#06# and comparing it with the IMEI mentioned in the PTA’s message.
Should issues persist, the authority encourages users to document evidence of their mobile device’s purchase and FBR tax payment via the PTA CMS at complaint.pta.gov.pk.
The PTA also warned against purchasing expensive devices sold at significantly low prices or without warranties.
According to the authority’s guidance, customers are urged to ensure their purchases are packaged, engage with the seller directly, and report fraudulent activities to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
