NCCIA breaks up fake loan app network in Lahore: fake loan apps
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has broken up an illegal call centre in Lahore that allegedly ran fake loan applications and blackmailed borrowers with doctored images made by artificial intelligence. Thirty-nine suspects were arrested in the raid.
The NCCIA’s Lahore Circle carried out the operation against a call centre running under the front company name Talk Master (Pvt) Ltd in a private housing society. Officials said the group used several fraudulent loan applications to lure people looking for quick credit.
The applications identified by investigators include Aghar, Gro Fund, James Fund, Cash Air, Credy Check and Credit Support. Citizens who installed them in search of loans ended up in the suspects’ trap.
How the blackmail worked
According to the NCCIA, the suspects first persuaded victims to install the apps by offering them loans. Once a person borrowed money, the network allegedly used malware links and phishing techniques to gain unauthorised access to the victim’s phone gallery and contact list.
The suspects then used artificial intelligence to generate fake obscene images of the borrowers. Those fabricated images were used to threaten the victims and force them into paying more money, investigators said.
Arrests and recoveries
The raid led to the arrest of 38 men and one woman. Officials recovered 40 laptops and 41 mobile phones from the premises, along with desktop computers and internet devices. All digital hardware was taken into custody under legal procedures.
The NCCIA has registered a formal case against the suspects, and a deeper investigation is under way to map the full extent of the network and identify its facilitators.
Agency declares zero-tolerance policy
NCCIA Director General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi condemned the network and said protecting Pakistan’s digital and financial reputation remains the agency’s top priority. He declared a zero-tolerance policy against anyone involved in blackmailing citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Which fake loan apps were named in the raid?
Investigators named Aghar, Gro Fund, James Fund, Cash Air, Credy Check and Credit Support as the fraudulent applications used to trap borrowers.
How did the suspects blackmail victims?
The group allegedly accessed victims’ phone galleries and contacts through phishing, then used AI to create fake obscene images which were used to threaten borrowers into paying more.
What should borrowers do if approached by such apps?
Officials advise citizens to borrow only from banks and licensed lenders, never to grant gallery or contact access to unknown apps, and to report blackmail attempts to the NCCIA without delay.
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Originally reported by techjuice.pk.
