Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a sweeping crackdown on Facebook-based scams, which have become the most exploited form of online fraud in the country. In just the first half of 2025, PTA blocked a staggering 1,246 scam-related URLs linked to the platform, exposing the scale of digital deception facing Pakistani users.
The revelation came during an internal briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom on July 31, 2025, where alarming statistics painted a clear picture: Facebook is ground zero for scam activity in Pakistan’s digital space.
According to PTA’s report, Facebook topped the list with the most scam complaints and URL takedowns — far outpacing Instagram (932 URLs blocked), YouTube (74), and Twitter (8). With its massive reach, ease of creating public groups, and low content moderation thresholds, Facebook has become a breeding ground for fraudulent investment schemes, fake job listings, counterfeit giveaways, and more.
“Facebook is the most exploited platform for online scams targeting Pakistani users,” stated the PTA, citing over 1,350 complaints received about the platform — of which over 91% resulted in action.
But the crackdown doesn’t end with Facebook.
Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are also under the microscope. PTA blocked 932 scam URLs on Instagram, while YouTube, though lesser in number, saw 74 video-based scams removed. Experts fear these platforms may silently contribute to the spread of cyber fraud through visual and influencer-driven tactics.
The operation is being executed under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), in collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Monitoring Authority (NCCMA). This marks an aggressive new chapter in PTA’s battle against digital deception, which now extends beyond social media to include fraudulent call centers and software houses.
Recent raids in Islamabad and Rawalpindi targeted such hubs of scam operations, signaling the government’s zero-tolerance policy. Officials are also urging global tech giants to establish formal offices in Pakistan to streamline complaint handling and platform accountability.
Read more: PTA, FIA Cracks Down on Illegal Internet Service Providers in Pakistan
