{"id":10186,"date":"2026-02-24T15:57:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:57:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrnww.com\/?p=10186"},"modified":"2026-02-25T15:59:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T15:59:11","slug":"rising-digital-fraud-alert-synthetic-silicon-thumbs-used-to-empty-bank-accounts-in-karachi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hrnww.com\/?p=10186","title":{"rendered":"Rising Digital Fraud Alert: Synthetic “Silicon Thumbs” Used to Empty Bank Accounts in Karachi"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

KARACHI (HRNW):<\/b> A sophisticated and dangerous new method of digital fraud has surfaced in Karachi, involving the use of synthetic “silicon thumbs” to bypass biometric security and deprive citizens of millions of rupees.<\/p>\n

The Modus Operandi<\/b><\/h3>\n

The scam came to light after a local resident reported that their mobile network suddenly deactivated. Investigations revealed that fraudsters used a replicated silicon thumbprint to obtain a duplicate SIM card of the victim\u2019s number. By activating this SIM on a different device, the criminals gained access to the victim’s banking applications and transferred substantial funds.<\/p>\n

Experts explain that in “Silicon Thumb Fraud,” a person’s actual fingerprints are copied onto silicon or other soft materials. These replicas are then used to deceive biometric scanners at cellular outlets or other sensitive service points to gain unauthorized access.<\/p>\n

Official Confirmation and Warning<\/b><\/h3>\n

Tariq Nawaz, Additional Director of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA), confirmed that recent incidents involved the use of these silicon replicas. He emphasized that citizens must prioritize their digital privacy to counter such evolving threats.<\/p>\n

Security Guidelines for Citizens<\/b><\/h3>\n

To protect against these high-tech scams, the NCCIA recommends the following precautionary measures:<\/p>\n