Online fraud cases are on the rise in South Punjab as advanced technology and social media misuse create opportunities for scammers.
In 2024, over 1,500 cases of online fraud have been reported in Multan, with unsuspecting citizens frequently targeted.
One such victim, Muhammad Daniyal, shared his ordeal: "I ordered a cellphone online, and the vendor promised delivery within five days. When I received the parcel and opened it, I found a bar of soap instead of the phone."
According to official data, 705 cases involved online shopping scams, 605 related to bank account hacks, and 151 were linked to fraud involving the Benazir Income Support Program. Law enforcement has arrested more than 300 individuals involved in online fraud.
CPO Multan, Sadiq Ali Dogar, stated: "Our joint efforts have exposed many gangs operating in online crimes, including fraudulent bank transactions and fake product deliveries. Significant progress has been made in each category."
Experts emphasize that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) must play a pivotal role in curbing the rising incidents of online fraud in South Punjab.