ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s Power Division has issued a nationwide cyber fraud warning after authorities identified attempts to steal consumers’ personal information through fake QR codes linked to electricity bill subsidy schemes.

In an official public advisory, the Power Division warned that fraudsters are using deceptive QR codes and suspicious digital links to trick electricity consumers into sharing sensitive personal and financial information.

According to officials, consumers are being asked to click on unauthorized links and complete multiple verification steps, including entering personal details and six-digit authentication codes, under the pretense of subsidy registration or bill verification.

Authorities cautioned that such methods are illegal and fraudulent, stressing that electricity bill information and subsidy-related verification cannot be processed through unofficial platforms or third-party digital forms.

The Power Division said criminal elements were attempting to misuse QR code technology for malicious purposes, raising growing concerns over digital fraud targeting utility consumers.

Officials added that law enforcement agencies have already been informed about the scam and investigations are underway to identify those involved in the fraudulent activity.

Consumers were advised not to enter personal information on unofficial websites, mobile applications or paper forms claiming to offer electricity subsidies or billing support.

Cybersecurity experts say QR code-based scams are becoming increasingly common globally as fraudsters exploit growing public reliance on digital payments, online verification systems and smartphone-based utility services.

The warning comes as Pakistan expands digital public services and online payment infrastructure, increasing the importance of consumer awareness regarding phishing attacks and identity theft schemes.

Analysts warn that low digital literacy and rising dependence on QR-based systems could expose consumers to greater cybersecurity risks if public awareness and digital verification safeguards are not strengthened.