The Punjab Home Department has issued an emergency advisory following a sharp rise in fraud cases linked to hacked WhatsApp accounts across the province.
Officials warned that several recent incidents involved serving government officers whose WhatsApp accounts were compromised, allowing cybercriminals to impersonate them and target contacts.
Officials Targeted in Impersonation Scams
According to the advisory, hackers gained unauthorized access to accounts and used them to send fraudulent messages requesting urgent financial assistance to colleagues, subordinates and acquaintances.
Authorities said scammers are increasingly using publicly available information — including names, designations and profile photos — to create convincing digital identities.
Departments Put on High Alert
The advisory has been circulated to all administrative departments and law enforcement agencies, urging heightened vigilance among:
- Senior bureaucracy
- Police officials
- Field formations
Officials have been directed to remain alert and verify any suspicious communication before taking action.
Rising Cyber Fraud Concerns
Authorities noted a dangerous increase in WhatsApp-based fraud, driven by sophisticated social engineering tactics that exploit trust within professional networks.
Call for Precaution
The government has advised individuals and institutions to:
- Enable strong security measures on accounts
- Avoid sharing verification codes
- Verify financial requests through alternate channels
- Report suspicious activity immediately
The development highlights growing cybersecurity challenges in Pakistan, as digital communication platforms become increasingly vulnerable to misuse by cybercriminals.
