How visa fraud works via TikTok? NCCIA uncovers fake SIMs, bank accounts
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) said the suspect allegedly used a TikTok account to advertise Saudi Arabian visas and defraud people.
How the alleged Saudi visa fraud worked
According to the NCCIA, the suspect allegedly used fake documents and worked with other suspects to transfer money obtained through fraudulent activities into bank accounts. A case has been registered, and the agency is investigating the suspect’s alleged role in the scam.
The case highlights the risks faced by people searching for overseas jobs and visa opportunities through social media. However, the allegations against the arrested suspect have yet to be established in court.
Fake SIMs and payment accounts recovered
During the operation, investigators recovered two mobile phones, 10 fake SIM cards, an Easypaisa account and an alleged merchant account. The agency said these items were recovered as part of its investigation into the suspected fraud.
The recovery could help investigators examine how the alleged scam was operated and how money was handled. Further details about the victims and the amount of money allegedly collected were not provided in the statement.
NCCIA warns citizens against online visa scams
NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi warned that strict legal action would be taken against people using social media to cheat citizens through fake overseas job and visa offers. He urged people to verify visa offers before sending money and report suspicious accounts to the agency.
The warning comes as online financial fraud remains a major cybercrime concern in Pakistan. According to the NCCIA’s 2026 statistics, financial fraud accounts for 48 per cent of all complaints received by the agency.
Previous NCCIA operations against cybercrime
On October 10, the NCCIA arrested 281 suspects, including 21 foreign nationals and 20 women, during operations against seven illegal call centres in Lahore. The centres were allegedly involved in financial fraud, online harassment and honey-trapping.
In September, the NCCIA and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested six suspects in Punjab over alleged cyber fraud, financial scams, illegal money exchange and human trafficking. These operations reflect the authorities’ continued efforts to investigate suspected online criminal networks.
The alleged Saudi visa scam shows how social media accounts can be used to attract people seeking work abroad. Fake documents and payment accounts can make such schemes difficult to detect before money is lost.
People should verify visa offers through official channels before making payments. Reporting suspicious accounts quickly may also help investigators trace alleged fraud and protect other job seekers.
Also read: Visit visa warning issued for Pakistanis seeking jobs abroad
