KARACHI: One in every two Pakistanis has been a victim of a scam at least once while 21 per cent of the victims have been tricked multiple times.

According to the 2023 Stay Secure Study released on Monday by global digital payments company Visa, nine of every 10 Pakistanis are likely to disregard the warning signs that suggest online criminal activity.

Over-confidence is leaving consumers in Pakistan open to becoming victims of fraud even though more than half of respondents claim to be savvy enough to sidestep online and phone scams, it said.

Speaking to Dawn, Visa Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan Umar Khan said that fraudsters have become more “evolved” as the payment methods and the acceptance of digital payments have gone up in recent years.

“You get emails where the fraudster tries to claim urgency. They try to create some sort of an illusion of gratification that you’ve won the reward and you need to do step A, B or C (to get it),” he said, adding that consumer education is a crucial aspect to prevent online frauds.

A total of 6.4 million e-commerce transactions amounting to Rs36.6 billion were conducted digitally in the January-March 2023 quarter, the latest three-month period for which payment data is available on the State Bank of Pakistan’s website. The figures translate to a quarterly decline of 22.2pc volume-wise and an increase of 7.1pc in terms of the value transacted, according to the central bank.

The study said considering themselves knowledgeable might make Pakistanis even more vulnerable. False confidence makes one click on a fake link or respond to a scam offer. The study observed that those who consider themselves more knowledgeable are more likely to respond to a requested action from scammers compared to those who say they are less knowledgeable.

While respondents feel confident in their own vigilance, about 53pc of them are concerned that their friends or families will fall for a scam email offering a free gift card or product from an online shopping site. Around 26pc of respondents are concerned about children or minors as well as retired people falling prey to online scams.

In addition to notices involving orders, product offers or feedback, people are most suspicious of password requests. Less suspicious types of communications are updates regarding delivery or shipping, marketing communications regarding a sale or a new product offering, or an invitation to provide feedback on a recent experience — all of which can be used by scammers.

The study showed only 57pc reported looking to ensure a communication is sent from a valid email address while 55pc will check if the company name or logo is attached to the message. Fewer than half of respondents look for an order number or an account number. Only 26pc respondents look to ensure words are spelt correctly, the study showed.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2023