A new WhatsApp scam is reportedly targeting users in Pakistan, with fraudsters using fake parcel delivery calls to gain access to victims’ accounts. The scam appears to particularly target women, with callers posing as representatives of courier or delivery companies.
During the calls, scammers may claim that a parcel is awaiting delivery, requires confirmation, or cannot be delivered without verification. They then ask the recipient to share a WhatsApp verification code or one-time password (OTP) sent to their phone.
Sharing this code can allow criminals to take control of a WhatsApp account. Once access is obtained, scammers may contact the victim’s friends, relatives and other contacts while pretending to be the account owner and request urgent financial assistance.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned users not to share WhatsApp verification codes or OTPs with anyone, even if the caller claims to represent a courier company or another legitimate organization.
Anyone receiving an unexpected parcel-related call should independently verify the delivery through the courier company’s official website, app or customer-service channels rather than relying on the contact information provided by the caller.
Users are also advised to enable WhatsApp’s additional security features, including two-step verification, and remain cautious about unexpected requests for codes, personal information or money.
