Pakistan is witnessing an alarming rise in digital fraud schemes disguised as entertainment and investment opportunities. Among the most dangerous of these are unauthorised online games and mobile applications that prey on the public’s aspirations, ultimately depriving them of their hard-earned money.

These platforms, often operating without any regulatory approval, present themselves as harmless games or “reward-based” apps. They entice users with promises of quick returns, virtual rewards, or cash prizes. In reality, their core objective is not to provide entertainment or genuine services but to orchestrate financial scams on a mass scale.

These apps and games frequently lure users through social media advertisements and referral programmes. They typically require users to deposit funds to “unlock levels”, “purchase in-game currency”, or “participate in reward pools”. Once significant sums are collected, the operators either shut down the platform overnight or manipulate the system so that........

© The Friday Times