LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has arrested two suspects involved in an alleged fake prize call scam targeting citizens through fraudulent mobile schemes in Dera Ghazi Khan.

According to officials, the suspects contacted people through multiple SIM cards while posing as representatives of government prize schemes and welfare programmes. Victims were falsely informed they had won cash prizes and were later asked to transfer money in the name of registration fees, taxes or prize release charges. The arrested suspects were identified as Rameez Yousaf and Waqar Younis. A case has been registered against them under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and other relevant sections of the law.

The raid was carried out on the instructions of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem. During the operation, investigators recovered 120 SIM cards, more than 100 ATM cards and other digital evidence, which has been sent for forensic analysis. Officials believe more victims and possible accomplices may emerge during further investigation.

The NCCIA also announced cash rewards and appreciation certificates for the investigation team.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026