June 03, 2019

PTA & FIA Joint Efforts to curb identity Misuse for Mobile Device Registration

(Islamabad): In the wake of complaints related to theft of travel details of the passengers to register mobile devices, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has referred such complaints to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for taking prompt action under PECA 2016. Responding to the complaints, FIA has started cracking down on people involved in the crime. PTA hopes that joint efforts with the lead role of FIA will curb identity misuse by fraudsters.

PTA is cognizant of the issue of illegal mobile device registration being carried out under identity theft i.e. passport details of some passengers being misused by fraudsters, and IMEI cloning i.e.: fake device being reprogrammed with a PTA approved IMEI. Device Identification & Registration System (DIRBS) of PTA is capable of tracing and blocking illegally registered mobile devices. The public is therefore, advised to only use their own Passport/CNIC for registration of devices and purchase only PTA approved devices, failing which all such mobile devices will be blocked immediately and legal action shall be initiated against such persons.

Furthermore, all users are advised to register their mobile devices using these options/means: (a) https: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs, (b) USSD *8484#, (c) Mobile Operators Franchisee Centers (list is published on https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk)

To check IMEI status of a device prior to buying, 15 digit IMEI be sent via SMS to 8484. For complaints regarding misuse and reprograming of the devices a dedicated email address has also been created which is dirbscare@pta.gov.pk. For further details: visit PTA website (https://www.pta.gov.pk).

 

Khuram Ali. Mehran

Director (PR)