All buyers must verify that smartphones are approved by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) before purchasing to avoid being scammed by criminal elements.

Recently, PTA has issued guidelines for buyers to follow when purchasing new or second-hand phones from the local market.

To avoid fraud, follow these guidelines:

-Avoid buying expensive devices at suspiciously low prices or without a warranty.
-Always buy a box-packed mobile device.
-Check the PTA stamp on the box in front of the shop owner.
-Ensure the IMEI on the box matches the IMEI on the phone.

Guide to verify PTA Approved Status of Phones

Through website

Visit https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/ for verification of the phones’ status

Through SMS

Type IMEI in message and send it to 8484

DVS App

You can verify the status of the mobile phones through DVS app available on both Playstore and App Store.