In today’s interconnected world, it’s not uncommon to receive a phone call from an unknown international number. If you’ve recently gotten a call from a number originating in Pakistan, you may be wondering why. While there could be numerous reasons, here are some of the most common explanations.
It’s a scammer
Unfortunately, Pakistan has become a major hub of phone scams and spam calls. Some reasons for this include:
- Lax telemarketing laws – Pakistan has less stringent regulations around telemarketing calls than many Western countries.
- Cheap labor – Wages in Pakistan are lower than in many other countries, making it profitable to run scam call centers.
- Advanced technology – Scammers have access to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) tools that allow them to spoof local numbers.
Some common phone scams that originate from Pakistan include:
- IRS tax scams – Callers impersonate IRS agents and claim you owe back taxes, demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards or wire transfers.
- Tech support scams – Callers pretend to be Microsoft or Apple tech support agents and request remote access to your computer to “fix problems.” They install malware or steal data.
- Loan scams – Scammers guarantee loans or credit cards, for a fee, that never materialize.
If you receive a suspicious call demanding money or access to your computer, it’s most likely a scam. Hang up immediately.
It’s a wrong number
Since many scammers use spoofing technology to display fake local numbers, it’s possible the call from Pakistan is simply a misdialed wrong number. Reasons this can happen include:
- Misconfigured phone systems – Errors in VoIP phone systems can cause incorrect caller IDs.
- Typos – The number could have been entered wrong by the caller.
- Redirected calls – Some VOIP systems can forward calls internationally without updating the caller ID.
If it seems to be a wrong number, there’s no need to be concerned. But if the calls persist, you may want to request the number be removed from their calling lists.
It’s a telemarketer
Some legitimate telemarketing firms do operate out of Pakistan. Reasons include:
- Outbound call centers – Pakistan is home to many outbound call centers selling products or services internationally.
- Third party telemarketers – Many Western firms outsource telemarketing to Pakistani firms.
- List confusion – Your number may have ended up on a Pakistani call list in error.
Some signs it’s a telemarketer call:
- They immediately launch into a sales pitch.
- It’s a live person, not a robocall recording.
- The caller is requesting money or trying to sell something.
While legal, these marketing calls can still be disruptive and unwanted. You can ask to be placed on their company’s do not call list.
It’s an international business
With increasing globalization, it’s not uncommon for businesses to operate and communicate internationally. Reasons for legitimate business calls from Pakistan include:
- International sales – Calling about ongoing or prospective business deals.
- Overseas offices – Companies with branches or outsourced services in Pakistan.
- Travel and hospitality – Calls about upcoming travel, hotel bookings, etc.
- Service providers – Banking, technology support, and other servicing calls.
Signs it’s a legitimate business call:
- You have an existing relationship or pending business in Pakistan.
- They address you professionally and have identifying information.
- There is no immediate request for money or sensitive data.
These calls are normal parts of global business. But as with any unsolicited calls, protecting your private data is prudent until you confirm the legitimacy of the request.
It’s a relative or acquaintance
If you have friends or family in Pakistan, they may try to call you periodically to stay in touch. Reasons include:
- Long distance family – Keeping in touch with loved ones abroad.
- Expat friends – Calling old friends who have moved overseas.
- Travelers – Calling contacts met while traveling.
- Wrong time zone – Calling at odd hours due to time zone differences.
Ways to determine if it’s a personal call:
- The caller asks for you by name.
- The number matches previous calls from the same person.
- They mention shared connections or recent interactions.
If you cannot immediately identify the caller, ask clarifying questions to jog your memory. Or politely ask them to remind you how you know each other before continuing the conversation.
How to handle calls from Pakistan
Here are some tips on managing unexpected calls from Pakistan numbers:
- Don’t answer calls from unknown Pakistani numbers. Let unknown callers leave a voicemail.
- Do not provide any personal information or payment to unsolicited callers claiming to be from the government.
- Hang up immediately on any suspicious, threatening, or fraudulent-sounding calls.
- Ask legitimate business callers to verify their identity and nature of their call.
- Politely ask unfamiliar personal callers how they got your number if you are unsure of their identity.
- Register your number on the FTC’s Do Not Call list to reduce telemarketing calls.
- Ask your phone provider to block international calls if you receive excessive spam calls from Pakistan or other countries.
How to track down a Pakistani caller’s number
If you want to investigate a Pakistani number that called you, here are some options:
Perform a phone number search
Use online sites like Spy Dialer or Whitepages to do a reverse phone lookup. This can potentially reveal the registered name and location of the phone number account.
Check caller ID logs
Review past incoming call logs from your phone provider to see if the same Pakistani number has called you before. This can determine if it’s a repeat caller.
Contact your phone carrier
Your phone company may be able to provide details like the telecom provider or region the foreign number is registered to. However, privacy laws often limit the data they can disclose.
Report concerning numbers
File a complaint with the FTC if you believe a number is involved in scams or harassment. The authorities can then potentially investigate and take action if needed.
Install a call blocking app
Apps like Nomorobo and Truecaller can identify known spam numbers from Pakistan and other countries and automatically block the calls.
Try social media searches
Search the phone number on Facebook or other social networks. You may be able to identify the owner if the same number is associated with their public profiles.
Beware scam calls pretending to be from Pakistan
One final thing to note – scammers will often spoof numbers from foreign countries to seem more legitimate or untraceable. So if you get a call claiming to be a distressed relative “stuck in Pakistan” needing money, be very skeptical. Confirm details before sending money overseas.
Conclusion
Receiving a phone call from an unknown number in Pakistan can certainly be odd, but is not necessarily alarming. Examine the context for clues, do not provide personal data, use caution with requested financial transactions, and leverage tools to research or block concerning callers. With some prudent precautions, most Pakistani call encounters will prove harmless.