Your Mobile Balance May Be Drained by Unauthorized Services: PTA

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned mobile phone users of increasing complaints related to unauthorized activation of Value Added Services (VAS), resulting in unexpected deductions from both prepaid and postpaid balances.

The regulator, through a public consultation, urged consumers to remain vigilant and regularly check their mobile balance and active subscriptions to avoid unwanted charges.

According to PTA, value-added services include services such as caller music (ringback tone), daily SMS or internet bundles, missed call notifications, mobile games, horoscope updates, quiz services, infotainment notifications and other subscription-based content services. The PTA has made it clear that VAS cannot be activated without the explicit consent of the consumer.

Authorities said activating VAS requires verification through a one-time password (OTP) and/or dialing a specific USSD code. If the consumer has not shared the OTP or tapped the activation code, the service should not be activated and such subscription may be deemed unauthorized.

PTA advised users who notice unexplained balance deductions to immediately contact their telecom operator to lodge a complaint and obtain a complaint reference number. The operator must then be given a stipulated amount of time to investigate and resolve the issue in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, consumers can lodge complaints with the PTA through the Complaint Management System (CMS) available through the official website pta.gov.pk and CMS mobile app.

PTA reiterated its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair and transparent practices across Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.