Digital insecurity: Citizens fall prey to online fraud in south Punjab

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2026) Social media account hacking has surged alarmingly across South Punjab, leaving citizens

financially and mentally distressed as cyber fraudsters exploit digital platforms to extort money

through deceitful tactics.

Local citizens say hackers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to gain unauthorized access

to personal accounts, particularly on platforms. Once access is secured, fraudsters impersonate

account holders and send urgent messages to friends and relatives requesting financial assistance,

often citing fake emergencies.

In one such incident, a Multan-based citizen, Riaz Lodhi, had his social media account hacked. The perpetrators reportedly contacted several individuals from his friends list, demanding money under false pretenses. Lodhi said he faced immense embarrassment and anxiety as he struggled to inform his contacts that his account had been compromised.

In another troubling case, a citizen named Salman was allegedly defrauded of Rs125,000 after cybercriminals posed as a relative and manipulated him into transferring the amount.

Victims shared the emotional trauma is as damaging as the financial loss, especially when hard-earned savings are siphoned off within minutes.

Cybersecurity experts warn that phishing links, fake verification messages, and cloned profiles are among the most common tools used by hackers. They urge users to activate two-factor authentication, avoid clicking suspicious links, and immediately report unusual activity.

Affected citizens have appealed to the government and law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Investigation Agency, to intensify crackdowns on cybercrime networks. They demand stricter enforcement of cybercrime laws and exemplary punishments to deter offenders who are depriving families of their livelihoods.

“The rising wave of hacking is not just a technical issue but it is a social crisis also,” said a local resident. “People are losing trust in digital communication. We need urgent and decisive action.

Authorities have been urged to launch awareness campaigns, and ensure swift recovery mechanisms for hacked accounts to protect vulnerable users from falling prey to digital predators.