Open Loot Under the Name of Social Media and Online Banking: 2,000 Inquiries Pending in Cyber Crime Agency
Most groups involved in financial fraud through mobile phones, Facebook, and WhatsApp belong to South Punjab and the Kacha areas: Khalid Baqi
Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta): Additional Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Quetta, Khalid Baqi, has said that a zero-tolerance policy is being implemented against elements involved in financial fraud, blackmailing, and character assassination of citizens through social media. He said that most groups involved in financial fraud through mobile phones, Facebook, and WhatsApp belong to South Punjab and the Kacha areas.
He expressed these views while addressing an awareness session held with officials and members of the Chamber at the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Balochistan. On this occasion, Chamber President Ahmed Gul Kakar, Senior Vice President Mirza Khan Khilji, Vice President Jangian Dashti, and other officials and members were present.
Khalid Baqi said that the Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Quetta currently has approximately 2,000 inquiries pending, on which action is being taken in phases. According to him, out of the named suspects in 158 cases, none belongs to Balochistan, while action has also been initiated against the franchises used in financial fraud.
He said that financial fraud is not merely a problem of the business community; rather, people from almost every segment of society are being affected by it. However, the business community also faces various kinds of problems, including financial fraud. He expressed regret that despite falling victim to financial fraud, many citizens and traders do not file formal complaints.
The Additional Director warned citizens not to share a verification code or one-time password received via WhatsApp or any other means in the name of a parcel or any other matter with anyone, because fraudulent elements obtain sensitive information through various tricks and withdraw money from citizens’ accounts.
He said that action is being taken against elements involved in character assassination, blackmailing, and other illegal activities on social media. He stated that the agency is playing its role to curb cybercrimes and to bring those involved to justice in accordance with the law.
Chamber President Ahmed Gul Kakar, Senior Vice President Mirza Khan Khilji, Vice President Jangian Dashti, and other participants said that due to the use of online banking, Easypaisa, JazzCash, and other digital means, members of the business community are falling victim to financial fraud. According to them, incidents of blackmailing, character assassination, and financial loss through fake Facebook accounts, WhatsApp, and other social media sources are also coming to light.
Chamber officials proposed that a joint team comprising representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, federal investigation agencies, and the Cyber Crime Investigation Agency should be formed so that complaints of financial fraud, blackmailing, fake accounts, and other cybercrimes can be acted upon immediately.
Khalid Baqi, agreeing with the Chamber’s proposal, said that through mutual cooperation, action against financial fraud and other cybercrimes can be made more effective. He said that the purpose of the awareness session is also to gain awareness of the problems, experiences, and suggestions of the business community so that an effective strategy can be formulated for the prevention of cybercrimes.
During the session, the business community presented issues and suggestions related to cyber fraud, fake social media accounts, blackmailing, online banking fraud, and other digital crimes. Participants agreed to make mutual contact and cooperation more effective in the future. At the end, a commemorative shield was presented to the guest.
