Arif Habib Corporation Limited (AHCL) has approached the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over fraudulent online activity involving fake social media accounts, unauthorised investment schemes, fraudulent telephone calls and AI-generated deepfake videos allegedly using the identity of Arif Habib to solicit funds from investors and members of the public.
The company said it submitted a formal complaint to the NCCIA on September 4, requesting registration of a case, a detailed investigation into those responsible and the removal or blocking of fraudulent material circulating across online platforms. AHCL said it is also pursuing available legal remedies against the individuals involved in the alleged misuse of its name and the identity of Arif Habib.
In a public notice issued on September 14, AHCL said unidentified individuals had established fake and fraudulent accounts and pages on TikTok, Facebook and other social media platforms. The company also reported that fraudulent telephone calls were being made to clients of Arif Habib Group as well as members of the general public. According to the company, these activities were being used to promote and solicit money for investment schemes that have no connection with the group.
AHCL said the fraudulent material specifically misuses the name, photograph, voice and likeness of Arif Habib, who serves as chairman of Arif Habib Group and chief executive officer of AHCL. The company said AI-generated and deepfake video content was among the material being circulated, creating the appearance that Arif Habib was associated with or supporting investment opportunities promoted through the fraudulent accounts and communications.
The company categorically denied any connection with the investment schemes, platforms, social media accounts, pages or telephone solicitations identified in the complaint. AHCL said neither Arif Habib, the corporation nor any other entity belonging to Arif Habib Group had launched, endorsed or sponsored the schemes being promoted through these channels. The clarification was issued to prevent investors and members of the public from mistaking the fraudulent material for legitimate communications from the group.
AHCL said the latest incidents were part of a wider pattern of fraudulent activity involving the use of Arif Habib’s name. The company referred to an earlier public warning issued by its listed subsidiary, Arif Habib Limited (AHL), on July 31, 2026. AHCL also said it had published a cautionary notice on its official website to alert stakeholders about the fraudulent activity before submitting its complaint to the NCCIA.
The company has advised investors and members of the public to avoid engaging with unauthorised online content, social media accounts or telephone calls claiming to represent Arif Habib or any entity within the group. The warning comes as the use of AI-generated material and manipulated video content creates additional challenges for companies and investors attempting to distinguish genuine corporate communications from fraudulent material.
AHCL further clarified that Arif Habib Limited is the only authorised entity within the group for investment-related information and services. The company said official announcements and communications are issued through the respective companies’ official websites and the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Investors are therefore being urged to verify investment-related claims through these official channels rather than relying on unsolicited messages, calls, videos or social media accounts.
The complaint highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence-based manipulation in financial fraud, where familiar names, voices and images can be used to make unauthorised investment offers appear credible. In this case, AHCL has sought intervention from the NCCIA to investigate the activity and take action against the parties responsible, while also requesting that fraudulent content be removed or blocked. The company’s public warning is aimed at limiting potential financial losses and preventing further misuse of its corporate and personal identities.
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