As digital payments and online banking continue to expand rapidly across Pakistan, financial authorities have issued a renewed warning to the public against a growing wave of scams disguised as parcel delivery notifications. The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA), in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), has released a public service message cautioning citizens not to share sensitive banking information or make payments without proper verification.
According to the awareness message, scammers are increasingly posing as courier or delivery service representatives, contacting individuals through phone calls, text messages, and messaging apps. These fraudsters typically claim that a parcel is awaiting delivery and request immediate payment, a one-time password (OTP), ATM PIN, or an online transfer to release the shipment. In many cases, victims are pressured into acting quickly, under the pretext of delivery delays or cancellation threats.
Financial institutions have repeatedly stressed that legitimate banks, courier companies, and payment service providers never ask customers to disclose PINs, passwords, or verification codes. Despite this, fraudsters continue to exploit gaps in digital literacy and the growing reliance on online transactions. The PBA and SBP noted that such scams are designed to appear convincing, often using familiar brand names and professional language to gain trust.
The public service message emphasizes a simple but critical principle: no payment should be made without proper verification. Consumers are advised to independently confirm any delivery claims by contacting the courier company through official channels, rather than responding directly to unsolicited calls or messages. Authorities also urge the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal or financial information under any circumstances.
Officials say the campaign is part of a broader effort to strengthen consumer protection as Pakistan’s financial ecosystem becomes more digitized. With the rise of mobile wallets, instant payment systems, and online banking platforms, fraud risks have also evolved. Regulators view public awareness as a key line of defense alongside technological safeguards implemented by banks and payment providers.
The message carries a clear reminder that while scammers may use clever tactics, informed users remain the strongest barrier against fraud. “Think before you click” and “stay safe” are central themes of the campaign, encouraging individuals to pause and assess before responding to unexpected financial requests.
The PBA and SBP have also encouraged citizens to report suspected fraud attempts to their banks immediately, enabling faster response and helping authorities track emerging scam patterns. Such reporting not only protects individual users but also contributes to improving system-wide security measures.
A dedicated awareness video explaining common scam techniques and prevention tips has been released as part of the campaign and is available on public platforms. Financial institutions hope that continued education and vigilance will help reduce losses and build greater confidence in digital financial services.
As Pakistan moves further toward a cashless and digitally connected economy, regulators and banks stress that public cooperation is essential. Staying alert, verifying information, and refusing to share confidential details remain the most effective tools in protecting oneself against evolving financial fraud.
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