PTA advises citizens to exercise caution while sharing fingerprints for new SIMs

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged citizens to remain vigilant when providing their fingerprints for obtaining new SIM cards or accessing other telecommunication services.

In a public awareness message, the authority advised consumers to ensure that their biometric information is being collected only at authorised customer service centres, franchises or approved sales outlets of mobile network operators.

PTA further encouraged citizens to keep a record of the mobile network operator, the name and address of the sales outlet they visit, and to verify the exact purpose for which their fingerprints are being collected.

The authority stressed the importance of protecting personal biometric information and avoiding unnecessary disclosure of sensitive data to unauthorised individuals or outlets.

The advisory aims to promote public awareness and help prevent the misuse of citizens’ biometric information.

Read more: PTA warns public against courier fraud, urges citizens not to share OTPs

Earlier, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) warned citizens about a growing form of fraud in which criminals impersonate courier-company representatives and attempt to obtain sensitive information, including one-time passwords (OTPs), from unsuspecting customers.

According to a public-awareness message issued by the PTA, people may receive calls from individuals claiming to be courier-company representatives.

The callers may tell recipients that a parcel or shipment is being delivered and ask them to provide an OTP or other information to complete the delivery process.

The authority has urged citizens to remain cautious and never share an OTP with anyone, particularly with unknown callers claiming to represent courier companies or other organisations.