ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday advised citizens regarding the purchase of smartphones, urging them to exercise caution to avoid falling victim to fraud and buying substandard or cloned devices.
In a statement released on Saturday, the PTA highlighted the increasing incidence of counterfeit and duplicate smartphones entering the market. To protect consumers, the authority recommended several precautionary measures for those buying new phones.
The PTA advised that consumers should only purchase smartphones from reputable and authorized retailers. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that the device comes with an active warranty and is packaged in its original box.
Shoppers are encouraged to check that the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number on the phone matches the number on the box. Additionally, the PTA instructed buyers to look for the PTA stamp on the packaging, which signifies that the device has been cleared by regulatory authorities.
The PTA’s warning comes amidst concerns over the sale of expensive smartphones at unusually low prices, which may be indicative of fraudulent activity or the sale of cloned devices. The authority cautioned against investing in such deals and recommended verifying the authenticity of the product before making a purchase.
Consumers who encounter issues or suspect fraudulent activity are urged to contact the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for assistance. The PTA stressed the importance of staying vigilant and ensuring that any purchased device is genuine and covered by a proper warranty.
