NCCIA Warns Against Fake Profiles, Online Blackmail of Women

Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has warned the public against creating fake social media profiles, leaking private images or personal information, and using online platforms to blackmail or harass others.

In a public awareness message shared on October 18, the agency described these activities as cybercrimes and urged people affected by online abuse to report incidents with relevant evidence. The warning was reported by Pakistani media on October 19, 2026.

The agency also encouraged citizens to speak out against online harassment rather than remain silent.

Fake Profiles and Private Images Can Be Used for Abuse

Fake social media accounts can be used to impersonate individuals, damage reputations, distribute personal information without consent or threaten victims with the release of private images.

Online blackmail may involve demands for money or other concessions, backed by threats to publish sensitive material or send it to family members and acquaintances.

The NCCIA’s warning covers fake profiles, misuse of private pictures, data leaks and blackmail. People should not assume that content shared through private messages or impersonating accounts is beyond the reach of investigation.

How to Report Online Blackmail in Pakistan

People experiencing cyber harassment or blackmail can contact the NCCIA through its official reporting channels.

• Helpline: 1799
• Online complaints: https://complaint.nccia.gov.pk/
• Official website: https://www.nccia.gov.pk/

When reporting an incident, victims should preserve relevant evidence where it is safe to do so. This may include screenshots of threatening messages, profile links, usernames, dates, transaction records and other information that could help investigators.

Avoid deleting relevant conversations before preserving the evidence. Do not forward or repost intimate images as a way of proving what happened.

What Victims Can Do to Protect Themselves

People targeted by online blackmail can take several practical steps:

• Preserve evidence: Save threatening messages, account details and relevant links securely.
• Secure accounts: Change compromised passwords, enable two-factor authentication and review logged-in devices.
• Limit contact: Avoid negotiating with or sending additional material to a blackmailer.
• Report the account: Use the platform’s impersonation, harassment or non-consensual imagery reporting tools.
• Contact authorities: Submit a complaint to the NCCIA and provide relevant evidence.
• Protect privacy: Avoid publicly sharing a victim’s identity, private photographs or personal details.

Anyone facing an immediate physical threat should also seek assistance from the appropriate local authorities.

Legal Consequences for Online Harassment

Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), as amended, provides a legal framework for addressing certain forms of online abuse. The applicable provisions depend on the conduct involved, the available evidence and the circumstances of each case.

Creating a fake profile, sharing personal information, distributing private images and making threats may raise different legal issues. The specific offence and potential penalties should be assessed under the relevant law rather than assumed to be identical in every case.

Building a Safer Digital Environment

The NCCIA’s warning highlights the importance of protecting digital privacy and reporting online abuse. Fake accounts and threats involving private images can have serious consequences for victims, including reputational harm, financial pressure and emotional distress.

People who experience these incidents should not be blamed for another person’s abusive conduct. Preserving evidence, securing accounts and seeking help through official reporting channels can support the response to online harassment.

TEKZARO will continue to cover developments in Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape and digital safety.