WhatsApp scams in Pakistan are increasing daily, and at IdealSolutions, we’ve reported the most common WhatsApp scams in Pakistan. So, below are the:
List of Common WhatsApp Scams in Pakistan
1. Fake Job Offer WhatsApp Scam
Scammers pretend to be recruiters from well-known companies, offering high-paying jobs in exchange for a registration fee. Once the victim pays, the scammer disappears.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Fresh graduates desperate for jobs
- Unemployed individuals looking for quick employment
- People looking for remote work opportunities
Impact Statistics
- 5,000+ complaints are reported annually to FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing.
- Peak period: 2020–2023, with a rise during economic downturns.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Verify the recruiter’s identity through LinkedIn or the company’s official website.
✅ Be cautious if they ask for payment upfront—real jobs never charge a fee.
✅ Check for grammatical mistakes or generic messages.
2. WhatsApp Lottery & Sweepstakes Scam
You receive a message claiming you have won a lottery but must pay “taxes” or a processing fee to claim it. Once you pay, the scammer vanishes.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- People looking for quick money
- Individuals unfamiliar with online fraud
- Elderly citizens who trust such messages
Real Impact Statistics
- 15% of financial fraud cases in Pakistan involve lottery scams (PTA 2022).
- Active since: 2018, with increased cases in 2024.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Remember: If you didn’t enter a lottery, you didn’t win!
✅ Check for fake sender numbers (international or unknown).
✅ Never share bank details or pay any fees upfront.
3. “Hi Mum/Dad” WhatsApp Scam
A scammer impersonates a family member (usually a son or daughter) and claims they lost their phone. They then ask for urgent money to fix their problem.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Parents (especially elderly individuals)
- People with children studying abroad
Real Impact Statistics
- 20% spike in cases during exam or overseas travel seasons.
- Scammers often steal profile pictures to appear authentic.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Always call the person directly before sending money.
✅ Check the profile photo and number—scammers often use random numbers.
✅ Be suspicious of urgent requests for money.
4. WhatsApp Phishing Links (Bank/Card Fraud)
You receive a link claiming to update your bank details or unlock your account. Clicking on it steals your credentials, leading to financial losses.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Bank customers (especially elderly users)
- Online shoppers
Real Impact Statistics
- 30% of all phishing attacks in Pakistan originate via WhatsApp (2023).
- Scammers impersonate: Banks, JazzCash, EasyPaisa, and credit card companies.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Never click on suspicious bank links via WhatsApp.
✅ Always visit the official bank website directly.
✅ Banks never ask for personal details via WhatsApp.
5. Fake Customer Support Scam
Scammers pretend to be Jazz, Zong, or TCS support agents, tricking users into sharing OTPs or banking details.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Telecom users who face network issues
- Online shoppers awaiting order deliveries
Real Impact Statistics
- 2,000+ complaints per month filed with telecom companies.
- Fake food delivery agents also target customers.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Contact official customer support directly via their website.
✅ Never share OTPs or bank details over WhatsApp.
✅ Verify caller IDs before responding.
6. Fake Charity & Donation WhatsApp Scams
Scammers use WhatsApp messages to ask for donations, often using real disaster events (floods, earthquakes, etc.) to trick victims.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Emotionally sensitive individuals
- People eager to help during crises
Real Impact Statistics
- 500+ fraudulent donation groups reported in 2022.
- Ramadan and flood seasons see a sharp rise in cases.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Donate only through verified NGOs or government websites.
✅ Beware of WhatsApp forwards asking for donations.
✅ Verify the bank account details before donating.
7. WhatsApp Romance Scams
Fraudsters pretend to be in a relationship with victims and, over time, convince them to send money or expensive gifts.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Men and women looking for relationships
- Divorced or widowed individuals
Real Impact Statistics
- 12% of cybercrime cases in Pakistan involve romance scams.
- Scammers often use fake photos to appear attractive.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Be cautious of fast-moving relationships online.
✅ Never send money to someone you haven’t met in real life.
✅ Run a reverse image search on their photos.
8. WhatsApp Bitcoin & Crypto Scams
Scammers promise high returns on cryptocurrency investments, luring victims into fake crypto schemes.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- New investors unfamiliar with crypto
- People looking for quick profits
Real Impact Statistics
- Over ₹2 billion lost in 2023 due to crypto scams.
- Fake Binance and trading groups are common.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Only invest through trusted crypto exchanges.
✅ Be wary of promises of guaranteed profits.
✅ Research before investing in WhatsApp trading groups.
9. Fake Product Sales on WhatsApp
Scammers post cheap deals on WhatsApp Groups, selling fake or non-existent products like mobile phones, clothing, and electronics.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Online shoppers looking for discounts
- People searching for budget-friendly deals
Real Impact Statistics
- 8% of all e-commerce frauds occur via WhatsApp.
- Scammers demand advance payments before disappearing.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Buy from verified online stores only.
✅ Always check for customer reviews before purchasing.
✅ Never pay in advance for an unverified seller.
10. Government Impersonation Scam (NADRA/FBR Fraud)
Scammers pretend to be NADRA or FBR officials, claiming the victim owes taxes and must pay immediately.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Business owners and professionals
- Salaried individuals unfamiliar with tax laws
Real Impact Statistics
- 1,200+ cases reported in 2023 related to fake tax scams.
- Scammers threaten victims with legal action or arrest.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Verify tax notices on official government websites.
✅ Never share personal information with unknown senders.
✅ FBR/NADRA does not use WhatsApp for legal communication.
11. WhatsApp Fake Investment Schemes
Scammers promise huge returns on investments in stocks, forex, or real estate. Victims are asked to deposit money, and once they do, the scammer disappears.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- People looking for quick profits
- Business owners interested in investments
Real Impact Statistics
- Over 3,500 cases reported in Pakistan in 2023.
- Scammers often use fake screenshots of profits to lure victims.
How to Stay Safe
✅ If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
✅ Never invest through WhatsApp messages or groups.
✅ Verify investment companies through official websites.
12. WhatsApp Fake Loan Offers
You get a message saying you qualify for an instant loan with low interest. The scammer asks for an advance fee or personal details. Once paid, they disappear.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Salaried employees looking for extra funds
- Small business owners needing quick cash
Real Impact Statistics
- 1,500+ fake loan scams reported in Pakistan in 2023.
- Scammers use names of real banks and loan services to seem legitimate.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Banks don’t offer loans through WhatsApp—always apply through official channels.
✅ Never pay an advance fee for a loan.
✅ Verify bank numbers and loan offers with official websites.
13. WhatsApp Fake Scholarship Scams
Scammers claim to offer fully funded scholarships but require victims to pay a “processing fee” or share personal documents.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Students looking for scholarships
- Parents wanting financial support for education
Real Impact Statistics
- 30% increase in fake scholarship scams in 2023.
- Fraudsters often use names of international universities.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Apply for scholarships only through official websites.
✅ Be suspicious of scholarships requiring payments.
✅ Never share personal documents via WhatsApp.
14. WhatsApp Parcel Delivery Scam
Scammers pretend to be TCS, Leopard, or DHL, claiming you have a package but need to pay a fee before it can be delivered.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Online shoppers waiting for deliveries
- People who frequently receive parcels
Real Impact Statistics
- 800+ complaints per month to courier companies in Pakistan.
- Scammers use fake tracking links to convince victims.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Confirm orders directly with courier companies.
✅ Don’t pay unexpected fees without verification.
✅ Check for official courier tracking numbers.
15. WhatsApp SIM Card Blocked Scam
A scammer claims your SIM will be blocked unless you verify your details. Once you do, they steal your identity or transfer your number to another SIM.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Zong, Jazz, and Ufone users
- People who fear losing access to their number
Real Impact Statistics
- 2,000+ cases of SIM fraud reported in Pakistan in 2023.
- Scammers trick users into sharing CNIC and SIM details.
How to Stay Safe
✅ PTA does not block SIMs via WhatsApp.
✅ Never share your CNIC or SIM details with unknown numbers.
✅ Verify with your mobile network provider.
16. WhatsApp Fake Police Warning Scam
You receive a message from a fake “FIA” or “Cyber Crime Officer”, accusing you of illegal activity and demanding money to clear your record.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Business owners and professionals
- People afraid of legal trouble
Real Impact Statistics
- 1,100+ cases reported in 2023.
- Scammers use fake FIRs to scare victims.
How to Stay Safe
✅ FIA does not contact people via WhatsApp for payments.
✅ Report suspicious messages to FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing.
✅ Never send money to clear fake charges.
17. WhatsApp Fake Charity Raffle Scam
Scammers claim you have won a charity raffle and ask for a “donation” before sending the prize.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- People who regularly donate to charities
- Social workers and NGOs
Real Impact Statistics
- 500+ cases reported in Ramadan 2023 alone.
- Scammers use names of real charities to sound credible.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Legitimate charities don’t run raffles on WhatsApp.
✅ Verify the charity’s official website before donating.
✅ Never send money before confirming authenticity.
18. WhatsApp Fake Airline Ticket Scams
Scammers offer cheap flights via WhatsApp, but after booking, the ticket turns out to be fake or invalid.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Travelers looking for discounts
- Students and families booking flights
Real Impact Statistics
- 1,500+ fake airline ticket cases reported in 2023.
- Fraudsters often use PTCL or international numbers.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Book flights only through official airline websites.
✅ Check ticket details directly with the airline.
✅ Be cautious of WhatsApp travel agents offering unrealistic prices.
19. WhatsApp Fake Visa & Immigration Scams
Fraudsters claim to offer fast visa approvals for Canada, USA, or Europe—but they demand upfront payment and disappear.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- Job seekers wanting to move abroad
- Students applying for study visas
Real Impact Statistics
- Thousands of cases yearly, with Pakistani victims losing millions.
- Scammers use fake embassy letters to convince victims.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Apply for visas only through embassies or official channels.
✅ Be wary of “guaranteed visa” offers.
✅ Never pay without verifying the consultant’s credentials.
20. WhatsApp Digital Wallet Hacking Scam
Scammers send a message pretending to be EasyPaisa or JazzCash, asking for account verification. Once you provide details, they hack your wallet.
Who Does This Scam Target?
- EasyPaisa and JazzCash users
- Online shoppers and freelancers
Real Impact Statistics
- More than 4,000 digital wallet scams reported in Pakistan in 2023.
- Millions lost to fake account verification calls.
How to Stay Safe
✅ Banks and digital wallets never ask for PINs via WhatsApp.
✅ Enable two-factor authentication on your account.
✅ Never share OTPs or passwords.
Final Thoughts
We hope now you are aware of common WhatsApp scams in Pakistan! If you have any questions or want to secure your WhatsApp account if its hacked, feel free to contact IdealSolutions cyber security company Pakistan.
Additional Resources
- List of cybercrime policies Pakistan.
- cybersecurity companies in Pakistan.
- Top Cybersecurity universities in Pakistan
- ethical hackers in Pakistan
- cyber security mythes in Pakistan
- List of VPN myths in Pakistan
- List of cyber security tools
- Vulnerabilities in Pakistani banking systems
- Cybercrime helpline for Pakistan
- Pakistans Federal Investigation Agency
- Cybersecurity PTA
FAQ
What are top 5 most common WhatsApp scams in Pakistan?
Top 5 Common WhatsApp scams in Pakistan include fake investment offers, job scams, parcel delivery frauds, SIM blocking scams, and WhatsApp hacking attempts. Scammers often impersonate banks, government officials, or well-known companies to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.
How can I identify a fake WhatsApp message?
A fake WhatsApp message often includes poor grammar, urgent demands for money, fake links, or offers that seem too good to be true. If a message pressures you into acting quickly or asks for sensitive details, it is likely a scam.
Can WhatsApp messages be used to steal personal information?
Yes, scammers use phishing messages that contain fake links designed to steal personal data. Once you click, they may collect your CNIC, bank details, passwords, or WhatsApp account credentials.
Is there a government helpline to report WhatsApp scams in Pakistan?
Yes, you can report scams to FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing in Pakistan by calling 9911 or filing a complaint at www.fia.gov.pk. You can also block and report scam messages directly on WhatsApp.
How do scammers hack WhatsApp accounts?
Scammers trick users into sharing their WhatsApp verification code, often by pretending to be a friend, company, or WhatsApp support agent. Once they get the code, they gain full access to your account.
Which cities in Pakistan have the highest reports of WhatsApp scams?
Major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad report the highest number of WhatsApp scams due to their large populations and high digital activity.
Can someone scam me by calling me on WhatsApp?
Yes, scammers may use voice phishing (vishing) to impersonate bank representatives, government officials, or business contacts to steal information or money. Never share personal details over a WhatsApp call.
What should I do if I accidentally sent money to a scammer?
Immediately contact your bank or digital wallet service (EasyPaisa, JazzCash, or your bank’s fraud department) to try to reverse the transaction. Also, report the scam to FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing.
Does WhatsApp itself send messages asking for account verification?
No, WhatsApp never sends messages asking for your account verification code, password, or personal details. If you receive such a message, it’s a scam.
Are Pakistani banks contacting customers via WhatsApp for security updates?
No, banks in Pakistan do not ask for personal or financial details over WhatsApp. Any such message is a fraudulent attempt to steal your data.
Which WhatsApp scams target freelancers in Pakistan?
Freelancers in Pakistan are often targeted with fake client scams, PayPal or Skrill scams, and fake job offers where scammers steal work without paying or trick freelancers into sending money.
Can a scammer use my CNIC and phone number for fraud?
Yes, scammers can use your CNIC and phone number to open fake bank accounts, register SIM cards, or commit other crimes. Never share your CNIC details on WhatsApp.
How can I verify if a WhatsApp business account is real?
A legitimate WhatsApp Business account usually has a green verification checkmark. However, scammers can fake business profiles, so always verify through official company websites.
Can scammers use deepfake videos to trick WhatsApp users?
Yes, scammers now use deepfake videos and AI-generated voice recordings to impersonate celebrities, politicians, or business executives to gain trust and steal money or information.
Which types of WhatsApp scams increase during Ramadan or Eid in Pakistan?
.During Ramadan and Eid, scammers increase fake charity donation scams, online shopping frauds, and fake travel package scams, taking advantage of high spending and generosity.
