The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a cybersecurity advisory to warn the public about a surge in fake delivery package scams across Pakistan. These scams primarily involve fraudulent SMS messages masquerading as notifications from well-known courier services such as Pakistan Post, TCS, Leopard, and FedEx.
Rise in Fake Delivery Scams
NCERT has highlighted that these scams typically begin with an SMS that appears to be sent from a legitimate courier service. The message often includes a tracking number and urges the recipient to update their delivery address by clicking on a provided link. The fraudulent SMS creates a sense of urgency, making the recipient feel compelled to take immediate action.
How the Scam Works
Once the recipient clicks on the link, they are redirected to a fake website designed to mimic the official portal of the courier service. This site is set up to collect personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers. In some cases, the link may prompt the download of a file containing malware, which can compromise the recipient’s device and personal data.
Why These Scams Are Effective
According to NCERT, these scams are particularly effective because they capitalize on the fact that many people are expecting packages. The urgency of the message, combined with the familiar branding of courier companies, makes the scam appear legitimate. Scammers use these tactics to trick unsuspecting recipients into divulging sensitive information or installing harmful software on their devices.
NCERT’s Recommendations
To protect against these scams, NCERT advises the public to:
- Verify the Sender: Check the phone number or email address of the sender. Official messages from courier services usually come from a recognized and verified source.
- Be Cautious with Unsolicited Messages: If the message contains errors or seems suspicious, do not click on any links.
- Visit Official Websites Directly: Instead of clicking on links in messages, visit the official website of the courier service to verify the status of your package.
- Check Links Before Clicking: Hover over any links in a message to see the destination URL. If it looks suspicious, do not click on it.
NCERT has urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious messages to the relevant authorities. By following these guidelines, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
 has issued a cybersecurity advisory to warn the public about a surge in fake delivery package scams across Pakistan. These scams primarily involve fraudulent SMS messages masquerading as notifications from well-known courier services such as Pakistan Post, TCS, Leopard, and FedEx.){kind=link}