The Government of Pakistan has issued an important cyber security alert for citizens regarding fake NADRA websites that are trying to steal personal information. The warning comes after several fraudulent websites were discovered that were pretending to offer official NADRA services.
According to the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT), these fake websites were created to mislead people and collect sensitive personal data such as CNIC numbers, addresses, and other private details. Authorities have advised the public to stay alert and only use the official NADRA website for any online service.
This cyber alert highlights the growing threat of online scams and the need for citizens to verify websites before entering their personal information.
National CERT and NADRA Identify Fake Websites
During the last month, from February to March, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team worked closely with NADRA to investigate suspicious websites. During this operation, ten fake domains were identified that were copying or imitating NADRA services.
These domains were designed to look similar to official government websites so that users might trust them and submit their personal details.
The authorities successfully managed to block and shut down these fake websites after identifying them.
The fake domains that were detected include:
- visa-nadra-gov-pk.shafaftech.com
- visa.nadra.gov-pak.com
- visa.nadra.gov.pk-com.io
- visa.nadra.gov.pk.gofly.com.gofly.com.pk
- visa.nadra.gov.pk.e-visa.pk
- nadraverisys.com
- nadraservices.uk
- nadracardscenter.co.uk
- nadralive.xyz
- visa-nadra-gov-pk.e-visaa.pk
Officials say these websites were not connected with NADRA in any way and were created with malicious intentions.
How These Fake NADRA Websites Work
Cyber criminals often create websites that look exactly like official government portals. They use similar domain names, logos, and page designs to trick users into believing the website is legitimate.
When a user visits these fake websites, they are usually asked to enter personal information. This can include:
- CNIC number
- Full name and address
- Phone number
- Passport information
- Payment details
Once criminals get this information, they can misuse it for fraud, identity theft, or financial scams.
This is why cybersecurity experts warn that even a small mistake online can expose sensitive personal information.
Official NADRA Website for Online Services
Authorities have clearly stated that all official NADRA online services are only available through the official government website.
The correct and official domain for NADRA is:
Citizens should always check the website address carefully before entering their information. Any website that looks similar but has a different domain name may be fake.
For example, fake websites may add extra words, unusual endings, or misleading extensions to confuse users.
Important Advice for Citizens
The cyber security alert also includes several important safety instructions for citizens to protect themselves online.
First, people should always verify the website address before entering personal data. Official government websites in Pakistan usually use the .gov.pk domain, which shows they are operated by the government.
Second, citizens should avoid clicking on suspicious links sent through emails, SMS messages, or social media platforms. Cyber criminals often send these links pretending to offer urgent services or special offers.
Another important step is to carefully check the spelling of website addresses. Fake websites often use small spelling tricks to look like the original domain.
If something looks unusual, it is always safer to leave the website immediately.
Growing Cyber Threats in Pakistan
In recent years, Pakistan has seen a rapid increase in digital services, including government portals, online verification systems, and digital identity services. While these services make life easier for citizens, they also create new opportunities for cyber criminals.
Fraudsters often target well-known institutions like NADRA because people trust these organizations and may not suspect fraud.
Cyber security experts say that awareness among citizens is the most effective defense against such scams. When people understand how these scams work, they are less likely to become victims.
Continuous Monitoring by National CERT
The National Cyber Emergency Response Team is responsible for monitoring cyber threats across Pakistan. In cooperation with NADRA and other government institutions, the team works to identify suspicious online activities and take action against malicious websites.
Officials confirmed that they are continuously monitoring the digital space to detect fake websites and cyber threats targeting citizens.
Whenever such websites are discovered, efforts are made to block them quickly and prevent further damage.
The recent shutdown of ten fake NADRA domains shows the government’s commitment to protecting the country’s digital systems and citizens’ personal data.
Why Personal Data Protection Is Important
Personal information such as CNIC details is extremely valuable. If it falls into the wrong hands, criminals can misuse it for various illegal activities.
For example, stolen identity data can be used to open bank accounts, apply for loans, or carry out financial fraud.
Because of this risk, citizens should treat their personal information as private and only share it on trusted platforms.
Using official websites and avoiding suspicious links can greatly reduce the risk of identity theft.
How Citizens Can Stay Safe Online
Online safety starts with simple habits. Before entering personal information, always check if the website address begins with https and belongs to an official domain.
Never trust links received through unknown messages or forwarded posts. Many scammers use fake announcements or urgent messages to trick people into clicking dangerous links.
If a website asks for sensitive information but looks unfamiliar, it is best to leave the page and visit the official government website directly.
These simple steps can help protect users from most online scams.
Government Urges Public Awareness
Authorities have asked citizens to remain vigilant and help spread awareness about fake websites. Informing family members, friends, and colleagues about such scams can prevent more people from becoming victims.
The NADRA cyber security alert serves as a reminder that while digital services are convenient, users must stay careful and informed.
By verifying official websites and avoiding suspicious links, citizens can protect their identity and contribute to a safer digital environment in Pakistan.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, awareness and caution remain the most powerful tools for staying safe online.
Thank you