The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a public advisory warning WhatsApp users to stay alert against deceptive messages that appear to be from WhatsApp’s official account. These messages, received from both local and international numbers, often carry the WhatsApp logo and contain malicious URL links designed to steal data or hack user accounts.
According to PTA, the fraudulent messages claim that a user’s WhatsApp account has violated certain rules or needs verification. Users are then tricked into clicking on harmful links. PTA strongly urged the public not to engage with such messages and to refrain from clicking any attached URLs, warning that doing so may result in data theft or full account compromise.
To protect their digital safety, users are advised to block such numbers and report them directly to WhatsApp immediately. PTA has shared the following official links for reporting:
For Android users. For iPhone users.
The advisory comes amid a surge in phishing attempts targeting messaging app users across Pakistan. Digital rights groups have repeatedly flagged the need for stronger public awareness around cyber hygiene, especially in the face of evolving online threats.
PTA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding digital communication and urged all users to be cautious when interacting with unsolicited or suspicious messages.
For more information, users can visit www.pta.gov.pk or follow updates via PTA’s official social media channels.
