SIM fraud in Pakistan is a criminal offense under PECA 2016 — and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing is the official law enforcement authority responsible for investigating and prosecuting it. Every year, thousands of Pakistanis become victims of SIM-based fraud but never file an official complaint — either because they do not know how, or because they believe nothing will be done.
Both assumptions are wrong. Filing an FIA cybercrime complaint creates an official legal record that protects you, initiates an investigation, and gives you legal standing to recover damages. This is Pakistan’s most complete guide to filing an FIA cybercrime complaint specifically for SIM fraud — written for 2026.
What Qualifies as SIM Fraud Under Pakistani Law?
Before filing a complaint, understand what legally constitutes SIM fraud under PECA 2016:
| Type of SIM Fraud | Legal Classification |
|---|---|
| Unauthorized SIM registration on your CNIC | Identity theft — PECA 2016 Section 16 |
| SIM swap without your consent | Unauthorized access — PECA 2016 Section 3 |
| Using your number to receive banking OTPs | Financial fraud — PECA 2016 Section 13 |
| Impersonating you via your SIM | Electronic fraud — PECA 2016 Section 14 |
| Harassing calls or messages | Cyberstalking — PECA 2016 Section 24 |
| SIM-based extortion | Criminal intimidation — PPC Section 503 |
Every one of these offenses is actionable. FIA has the authority to trace subscriber data from operators, subpoena franchise records, and identify the fraudster.
Evidence to Collect BEFORE Filing Your Complaint
Your complaint is significantly stronger with documented evidence. Collect everything before you file:
Essential evidence:
1. 668 SMS result: Send your CNIC to 668 and screenshot the reply showing the unauthorized SIM. This is your primary proof that an unauthorized SIM exists on your CNIC.
2. 667 SMS result: If you have access to the unauthorized SIM number, insert it and send MNP to 667. Screenshot showing your CNIC linked to that number is powerful evidence.
3. Bank transaction records: If money was stolen via JazzCash, Easypaisa, or a bank account linked to your SIM, download full transaction history showing unauthorized transactions.
4. Call logs: Screenshot of calls or messages received from unknown numbers related to the fraud.
5. Operator communication: Any written communication from Jazz, Zong, Telenor, or Ufone about the SIM registration or SIM swap.
6. cnic.sims.pk screenshot: Visit cnic.sims.pk, take a screenshot of results showing the unauthorized SIM, with the date visible.
For complete verification of your SIM registration status before filing, use the official tools at Sim Owner Details — Pakistan’s free SIM verification platform — to document every unauthorized SIM linked to your CNIC.
Method 1 — File FIA Cybercrime Complaint Online (Fastest)
The FIA’s National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes (NR3C) accepts online complaints 24/7.
Step 1: Go to www.fia.gov.pk on any browser.
Step 2: Navigate to: Cybercrime → Online Complaint or go directly to complaint.fia.gov.pk
Step 3: Select complaint category. For SIM fraud, select:
- “Identity Theft” — for unauthorized SIM registration on your CNIC
- “Financial Fraud” — if money was stolen via your SIM
- “Unauthorized SIM Activation” — if this specific option appears
Step 4: Fill out the complaint form completely:
- Your full name (exactly as on CNIC)
- Your 13-digit CNIC number
- Your contact number and email
- Detailed description of the fraud — include dates, numbers, amounts
- Upload all evidence documents (screenshots, bank statements)
Step 5: Submit the form. You will receive:
- A complaint reference number immediately
- Email confirmation within 24 hours
- FIA contact for follow-up
Step 6: Save your complaint reference number. You will need it for all follow-up communications.
FIA Cybercrime Helpline: 9911 (available 24/7)
For PECA 2016 SIM fraud law complete guide PECA 2016 SIM Fraud Law Pakistan — What Is Illegal and What Are the Penalties
Method 2 — File FIA Cybercrime Complaint In Person
For more serious cases — especially when significant financial loss occurred — visiting FIA in person creates a stronger record.
Step 1: Find the nearest FIA Cybercrime Wing office. Major offices are located in:
- Islamabad: FIA Headquarters, Mauve Area, G-9/4
- Lahore: FIA Punjab Office, Gulberg
- Karachi: FIA Sindh Office, Saddar
- Peshawar: FIA KPK Office
- Quetta: FIA Balochistan Office
Step 2: Bring all original documents:
- Original CNIC (mandatory)
- Printed screenshots of 668 SMS result, cnic.sims.pk record
- Bank statements if financial fraud occurred
- Any other documentary evidence
Step 3: Request to meet a Cybercrime Wing officer. Explain your case clearly and concisely. Officers are trained specifically for digital fraud cases.
Step 4: FIA will register your complaint as an FIR if the evidence is sufficient. An FIR gives law enforcement the power to:
- Subpoena subscriber data from telecom operators
- Obtain CCTV footage from franchise locations
- Track and arrest the fraudster
Step 5: Obtain a copy of your FIR and complaint registration receipt. This document is critical for banking and insurance claims if money was stolen.
For PTA 0800-55055 complaint complete guide PTA Helpline 0800-55055 — What to Report and How to File Complaint Pakistan 2026
What Happens After You File the Complaint?
Understanding the FIA investigation process sets realistic expectations:
Week 1–2: FIA registers your complaint and assigns an investigating officer. A formal notice is sent to the relevant telecom operator requesting subscriber data for the unauthorized SIM.
Week 2–4: The operator provides franchise registration records for the unauthorized SIM — showing when it was registered, at which franchise location, and what CNIC documentation was used.
Week 4–8: FIA traces the fraudster through franchise CCTV footage, franchise employee records, and financial transaction trails. If the fraudster used the SIM for financial transactions, money trails are traced through JazzCash or Easypaisa records.
Resolution: Fraudsters identified through FIA investigation face prosecution under PECA 2016, which carries penalties including up to 3 years imprisonment and Rs. 1 million fine for identity theft, and up to 7 years imprisonment for financial cyber fraud.
FIA Complaint vs PTA Complaint — Which to File?
File BOTH — they serve different purposes and one strengthens the other:
| FIA Cybercrime Complaint | PTA Complaint | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Criminal prosecution of fraudster | Regulatory action, SIM blocking |
| Authority | Law enforcement | Telecom regulator |
| Outcome | Arrest, prosecution, fine | SIM disowning, operator penalty |
| Time to act | Days to weeks | 24–72 hours |
| File at | complaint.fia.gov.pk / 9911 | pta.gov.pk / 0800-55055 |
File PTA complaint first for fastest SIM removal. File FIA complaint simultaneously for criminal justice. Visit the SIM information guide for the complete PTA complaint procedure.
How to File PTA Complaint (Parallel to FIA)
While FIA handles criminal prosecution, PTA handles regulatory action. File both:
PTA online: pta.gov.pk → Complaints → Consumer Complaints PTA helpline: 0800-55055 (free, 24/7) PTA email: complaints@pta.gov.pk
In your PTA complaint, include:
- Your CNIC number
- The unauthorized SIM number(s) found via 668
- Request for immediate SIM disowning
- Your 668 SMS screenshot as evidence
PTA typically acts on unauthorized SIM complaints within 24–72 hours — significantly faster than FIA’s criminal investigation timeline.
SIM Fraud Complaint Template
Use this template when filing your FIA complaint. Customize with your actual details:
To: FIA Cybercrime Wing Subject: Complaint Regarding Unauthorized SIM Registration on My CNIC
I, [Your Full Name], holder of CNIC [Your CNIC Number], wish to report unauthorized SIM registration on my CNIC without my knowledge or consent.
Upon checking via PTA’s official 668 service on [Date], I discovered [Number] unauthorized SIM(s) registered on my CNIC by unknown persons. The unauthorized number(s) are: [List unauthorized numbers and their networks].
I have not visited any franchise of [Network Name] nor authorized any person to register a SIM on my behalf. This registration constitutes identity theft under PECA 2016 Section 16.
I request FIA to investigate this matter, identify the fraudster through franchise records and CCTV footage, and initiate criminal proceedings under PECA 2016.
Attached evidence: [List all screenshots and documents]
[Your Name, CNIC, Contact Number, Date]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is filing an FIA cybercrime complaint free?
A: Yes. Filing a complaint with FIA Cybercrime Wing is completely free. Any person asking for payment to file your complaint is committing fraud.
Q: How long does FIA take to respond to a cybercrime complaint?
A: Initial acknowledgment within 24–72 hours. Investigation timelines vary from weeks to months depending on case complexity and evidence available.
Q: Can FIA recover stolen money from SIM swap fraud?
A: FIA can freeze accounts and initiate recovery proceedings. Success depends on how quickly the complaint is filed — funds moved through JazzCash or Easypaisa can sometimes be traced and frozen if reported within 24–48 hours of the fraud.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to file an FIA cybercrime complaint?
A: No. You can file directly without a lawyer. However for complex cases involving large financial losses, legal representation strengthens your case.
Q: What if I don’t know who committed the SIM fraud?
A: File the complaint anyway. FIA has legal authority to subpoena telecom operators for franchise records, CCTV footage, and identity documents used during the fraudulent registration. The investigation identifies the fraudster — you do not need to know who they are before filing.
For complete documentation of your SIM fraud evidence using official PTA tools, visit Sim Owner Details and check your Pakistan SIM database status before filing your complaint.
SIM OWNER DETAILS
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