Cyber crime · For citizens
Scammed online? It is a crime. Act fast.
In short
Fake bank calls, fake pages, stolen identity. PECA makes these offences, and electronic fraud is non-bailable.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 10 October 2026 · 8 slides · 2 min read
Online fraud is a crime.
Deceiving someone through a phone, app or website for wrongful gain is an offence under PECA.
“shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to ten million rupees or with both.”
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 · Section 14, Electronic fraud
Not a small offence.
Section 43(2) of PECA puts electronic fraud in the serious list.
- CognizableBy the investigation agency.
- Non-bailableBail is not a right; the court decides.
- Non-compoundableIt cannot simply be settled away.
Do this first.
Speed matters. Keep everything before it disappears.
- Call your bank or wallet at onceAsk them to block the card or account.
- Save the proofScreenshots, numbers, transaction IDs, chat links.
- Do not delete the chatEven if it is embarrassing.
Who investigates.
PECA offences go to a dedicated federal agency.
- Save your proofBefore you report.
- Complain to the NCCIANational Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, PECA s.29.
- Inquiry and investigationNCCIA officers act with police powers (s.29(4)).
Fake page? Your ID used?
Two more offences scammers often commit.
- Spoofing, s.26A fake website or a message from a counterfeit source. Up to 3 years or Rs 500,000 fine or both.
- Identity information, s.16Using your identity without authorization. Up to 3 years or Rs 5 million fine or both.
Check your situation. Free.
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- Someone posing as my bank took money from my account on a call. What do I do?
- A fake page is selling things using my photos. Is that a crime?
Example questions
What this does not mean
- Two years and ten million rupees are the maximums under s.14, not fixed punishments.
- Non-bailable does not mean bail is never given. Bail is not a right, and the court decides.
- Electronic fraud is non-compoundable, so it cannot simply be settled away.
Questions people ask
Is online fraud a crime in Pakistan?
Yes. Electronic fraud under PECA s.14 is punishable with imprisonment up to two years, or a fine up to ten million rupees, or both.
Where do I complain about online fraud in Pakistan?
PECA offences go to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under s.29. Its officers act with police powers in inquiry and investigation (s.29(4)).
What should I do first if I am scammed online?
Call your bank or wallet at once and ask them to block the card or account. Save screenshots, numbers, transaction IDs and chat links, and do not delete the chat.
Is electronic fraud bailable in Pakistan?
No. It is cognizable by the investigation agency, non-bailable and non-compoundable.
Is making a fake page or using my identity a crime?
Yes. Spoofing under s.26 carries up to 3 years or Rs 500,000 fine or both. Using your identity information without authorization under s.16 carries up to 3 years or Rs 5 million fine or both.
Sources
- Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 · Section 14
Electronic fraud Pakistan Code
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
