NCCIA warns of fake prize messages, recovers Rs3.2m in online scams
The recoveries were made in two separate investment and trading fraud cases in Rawalpindi. The agency also warned citizens about fake messages offering a Rs13,000 cash prize in the name of the prime minister.
Rs1.8 million recovered in Facebook and WhatsApp fraud
In the first case, the NCCIA recovered Rs1.8 million from suspects accused of cheating a citizen through an online investment scheme. The victim had reportedly lost Rs2,915,872 after being contacted through Facebook and WhatsApp.
According to the agency, the victim was first approached through a Facebook account named Misbah Sabir. Later, another person contacted him on WhatsApp while pretending to be an online businessman and convinced him to invest money.
The suspects then shared a link with the victim. After he clicked on it, an application named “Onchainus.net” was installed on his mobile phone, through which the fraud was allegedly carried out.
The agency has recovered Rs1.8 million so far. Further investigation is underway to identify other people involved and recover the remaining amount.
Rs1.4 million recovered in Rs21 million trading fraud
In another case, the NCCIA recovered Rs1.4 million after a Rawalpindi resident was allegedly cheated of more than Rs21 million through a fake online trading and investment scheme. The complainant, Muhammad Arshad, son of Ameer Khan, was reportedly attracted by promises of high profits.
According to the investigation, the victim was added to a WhatsApp group named “v185-Wharton”. The group promoted investment opportunities and promised substantial returns.
The complainant transferred a total of Rs21,018,511 from his bank accounts to different beneficiary accounts. He made these payments through an application and an ATM card, suffering a major financial loss.
The accused in this case is currently on physical remand. The NCCIA is investigating the case to identify other members of the suspected network and recover the remaining money.
Suspect arrested in child exploitation and blackmail case
In a separate operation, the NCCIA arrested a suspect accused of exploiting a minor and using recorded videos to blackmail him. The agency also recovered a mobile phone from the suspect.
The investigation began after Mushtaq Khan complained that someone was involved in possessing, producing and sharing child exploitation material. He also alleged that the suspect had been blackmailing his son.
According to the complaint, the boy used to play online games on his mobile phone. During one of these games, the suspect allegedly contacted him and offered to provide a gaming ID.
The suspect later invited the child to his place, where he allegedly exploited him and recorded videos of the incident. The videos were reportedly used to threaten and blackmail the minor.
The NCCIA has taken the suspect into custody and recovered a mobile phone for investigation. Officials are now working to identify anyone else involved and examine the digital evidence through forensic analysis.
NCCIA warns against fake Rs13,000 prize messages
Separately, the NCCIA warned citizens about fake messages claiming that people could receive a Rs13,000 cash prize from the prime minister. The agency said fraudsters were using these messages to trick people into opening suspicious links.
According to an NCCIA spokesperson, clicking on these links could allow criminals to steal personal and banking information. Citizens have been advised not to open unverified links or share their private and financial details.
The agency also urged people not to forward such messages to others. It said strict action would continue against those involved in online fraud, fake investment schemes, child exploitation and blackmailing.
These cases show how online fraudsters use social media, messaging apps and fake investment offers to target people. Parents should also remain aware of their children’s online activities and report suspicious contact or threats to the authorities.
The NCCIA’s recoveries are an important step, but victims still need protection and stronger action against wider criminal networks. Citizens should avoid unknown links and never trust promises of easy money or unexpected prizes.
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