Islamabad : Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has warned mobile users and international travellers about fraudulent websites impersonating telecom operators to steal phone numbers, login credentials, personal information and banking details.
The warning comes as demand for mobile internet, SIM cards and roaming services rises during the tourist season. Kaspersky said telecom phishing scams are targeting people purchasing mobile connections or adding data to existing plans across several regions.
According to the company’s security researchers, criminals are creating counterfeit login and payment pages designed to resemble the official websites of major regional and international telecommunications providers.
Some fraudulent pages use the names and branding of companies operating across Asia, Africa and Europe. Users are asked to enter phone numbers, account credentials or payment details, which may then be used for financial theft, account compromise or further fraudulent activity.
Kaspersky said some fake pages differ noticeably from legitimate telecom websites, while others closely reproduce official login screens, making them more difficult for users to identify.
Researchers also found websites impersonating telecommunications companies operating in North Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These pages encourage users to purchase or recharge mobile internet packages by submitting personal information and bank card details.
Another identified scheme asks users to enter personal data to check or pay a mobile bill. Such information may later be used for account hacking, identity-related fraud or unauthorised transactions, the company said.
AI Makes Fake Websites More Convincing
Kaspersky cybersecurity expert Tatyana Kulikova said artificial intelligence is allowing scammers to produce fraudulent pages more quickly and with greater accuracy.
She said online scams frequently exploit public interest in sporting events, concerts, seasonal sales, holidays and travel, while telecommunications services have also become a target.
Kulikova advised consumers to purchase mobile and internet plans only through verified company websites or official applications. She said travellers could also consider buying an eSIM through an authorised provider, reducing the need to enter information on unfamiliar websites.
How Users Can Avoid Telecom Scams
Kaspersky advised users to carefully check website addresses before entering personal or financial information. Misspellings, additional characters and unfamiliar domain names may indicate that a page is fraudulent.
Users should avoid opening unsolicited links or attachments received through email, text messages or messaging applications without first confirming the sender.
Consumers should search for the official telecom company website independently instead of accessing payment or login pages through advertisements or links shared in messages.
The company also recommended using security software capable of detecting and blocking phishing websites. Users should additionally verify that mobile plans, SIM cards and eSIM services are being purchased from authorised telecom operators or recognised platforms.
Also Read: Kaspersky Warns of Multi-Stage Phishing Attack Targeting Manufacturers Across Europe, Asia and Middle East
