Your Mobile Balance May Be Drained by Unauthorized Services: PTA

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned mobile phone users about a rise in complaints related to the unauthorized activation of Value Added Services (VAS), which has resulted in unexpected deductions from both prepaid and postpaid balances.

In a public advisory, the regulator urged consumers to stay alert and regularly check their mobile balance and active subscriptions to avoid unwanted charges.

According to PTA, Value Added Services include offerings such as caller tunes (ring back tones), daily SMS or internet bundles, missed call alerts, mobile games, horoscope updates, quiz services, infotainment alerts, and other subscription-based content services. PTA clarified that no VAS can be activated without the clear consent of the consumer.

The authority said activation of any VAS requires confirmation through a One-Time Password (OTP) and/or dialing a specific USSD code. If a consumer has not shared an OTP or dialed an activation code, the service should not be active, and any such subscription may be treated as unauthorized.

PTA advised users who notice unexplained balance deductions to immediately contact their respective telecom operator to file a complaint and obtain a complaint reference number. Operators must then be given the prescribed time to investigate and resolve the issue under regulatory guidelines.

If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, consumers can escalate their complaint to PTA through its Complaint Management System (CMS), available on the official website pta.gov.pk and via the CMS Mobile App.

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