The Fintech Center of the Information Technology University (ITU) Punjab is successfully continuing to build a database of fraudulent text messages for Data Science Research project regarding, "SMS Fraud Detection in Pakistan" to detect fraudulent SMS by developing an algorithm to protect consumers from frauds so the low literate population does not fall prey to these scams.
During the recent drive for collection of fraudulent SMS from responsible citizens all over Pakistan, encouraging response has been noted as during the shortest period of just 20 days the project received above 700 fraudulent SMS schemes, which include fraud messages such as ARY Jeeto Pakistan, Benazir Income Support Programme, Waseela-e-Haq Programme, banking related fraud SMS asking for PIN Codes and other kinds of frauds.
ITU has appreciated the significant cooperation from all citizens who assisted in the data collection activity and has urged them to continue sharing such SMS along with their city through forward the SMS text to +92-314-4362352, and add "forwarded from:" so your number is not identified as the sender of such SMS or forwarding the SMS text on the WhatsApp number +92-314-4362352, and share the screenshot of the message.
Every year thousands of people fall prey to financial frauds initiated over SMS and calls.
The aim of this research is to develop an algorithm to detect fraudulent SMS, and protect consumers.
This research is sponsored by Karandaaz Pakistan, a private company of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Pakistan.