KARACHI: Women and other WhatsApp users in Pakistan face a new parcel scam. Fraudsters pretend to work for courier companies and ask people to share WhatsApp verification codes.
The scammers use these codes to take control of WhatsApp accounts. They then contact the victim’s family and friends and ask them to send money. Recent reports describe this fake parcel call scam in Pakistan.
How the WhatsApp Parcel Scam Works
The scam usually starts with a WhatsApp call.
The caller claims to work for a courier company and says that a parcel has arrived for the victim.
The caller then says that the victim needs to confirm the parcel or address with a code. The scammer asks the victim to share the code that arrives on the phone.
However, the code can give the scammer access to the victim’s WhatsApp account. The scammer can register the victim’s number on another phone and take control of the account.
Scammers Ask Contacts for Money
After taking control of the account, scammers send messages to people in the victim’s contact list.
They pretend to be the account owner and may say that they need money because of an emergency.
The scammers then ask family members, friends or colleagues to send money quickly.
This scam can cause money loss for both the WhatsApp user and their contacts.
PTA Warns WhatsApp Users
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned people about fake courier messages that ask for verification codes.
PTA says genuine courier companies do not ask customers to enter or share verification codes to receive parcels. The authority has advised people not to share codes received through SMS or messaging apps.
PTA also advises users to check suspicious messages and calls before taking any action.
How to Stay Safe From WhatsApp Scams
- Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone.
- Never share an OTP with a caller who claims to work for a courier company.
- Check parcel details directly with the courier company.
- Do not trust urgent money requests sent from a friend’s or family member’s WhatsApp account.
- Call the person on another number before sending money.
- Avoid clicking unknown links or giving personal information to strangers.
Remember: A courier company does not need your WhatsApp verification code to deliver your parcel. If someone asks for the code, end the call and verify the parcel through the company’s official contact channels.
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