Digital scammers rob billions, expert warns public to stay alert
ISLAMABAD: Amid a sharp rise in digital scams, an e-commerce expert on Sunday called for greater public awareness, revealing that the country incurs losses of nearly $9.3 billion annually 2.5% of its GDP and encouraging users to rely on secure and reliable platforms.
While speaking with a local media channel, a renowned E-commerce expert Muhammad Shahbaz Siddiqui stressed that public awareness is the strongest defense against the rapidly growing threat of online scams.
He warned that fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including fake websites, phishing links and impersonation calls, to deceive users.
Expert urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid making quick decisions when dealing with online offers or unknown sellers.
He advised the public to rely only on trusted and well-established e-commerce platforms such as Daraz and Alibaba, which offer verified sellers, secure payment systems and buyer protection policies.
According to him, using authentic platforms significantly reduces the risk of fraud compared to random social media pages or unverified websites.
Highlighting common public mistakes, Saddiqui noted that many people fall victim to scams due to lack of research and impulsive buying behavior. Consumers often trust deals that appear “too good to be true,” ignore customer reviews, and fail to check seller ratings or company background. He added that clicking on unknown links and sharing personal or banking information without verification are among the most frequent and costly errors.
He further emphasized the importance of careful research before every online transaction, encouraging users to read reviews, confirm website authenticity and verify the credibility of sellers.
“A few minutes of checking can save you from major financial loss,” he said, urging the public to adopt responsible digital habits and stay alert in an increasingly risky online environment.
He further emphasized the importance of conducting proper checks before any online transaction, advising users to examine feedback, confirm website legitimacy and ensure the seller has a credible track record. He warned against sharing sensitive details such as OTPs or banking information under any circumstances, adding that careful verification and informed decision-making can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss in the digital space. APP
