The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has warned mobile users about rising complaints of unauthorized activation of Value Added Services (VAS), leading to unexpected deductions from their balances.
Islamabad — The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has taken notice of growing consumer complaints across Pakistan about Value Added Services (VAS) being activated without permission. These activations have caused surprise deductions from both prepaid and postpaid mobile accounts.
VAS cover a range of subscription-based offerings. Common examples include:
- Caller tunes (ring back tones)
- Daily SMS packs
- Internet bundles
- Missed call alerts
- Mobile games
- Horoscope messages
- Quiz services
- Infotainment updates
PTA stressed that no such service should start without the user’s clear agreement. Activation normally needs user confirmation, such as entering a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the phone or dialing a specific USSD code like *something#. If neither step happened, the service counts as unauthorized.
The authority urged people to stay alert. Regularly check your mobile balance and review active subscriptions through your operator’s app or by dialing relevant codes.
If you spot unexplained charges:
- Contact your telecom operator right away (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, or Ufone).
- File a complaint and get a reference number.
- Give the operator the required time to fix it.
Also Read: Faisalabad Development Authority Seals Offices of Three Unauthorized Housing Schemes
PTA reaffirmed its role in protecting consumer rights and pushing for clear, fair practices in the telecom industry. This alert follows similar concerns raised on social media and earlier directives requiring explicit consent for VAS.
