Common used-phone scams in Pakistan
Last updated: 2 October 2026
These patterns show up in classifieds markets everywhere, including Pakistan. None of this is legal advice.
Advance payment / courier
A seller who will not meet, needs a JazzCash/Easypaisa “token”, or will only ship after full payment is a common fraud pattern. Prefer a public meeting and pay when the phone is in your hand.
The dummy unit
You inspect one phone, look away, and leave with another. Keep the unit in your hand. Check IMEI again just before you pay.
Too cheap, too far
An iPhone far below street price, only available in another city after a transfer, is often bait. Compare a few live ads on this site and in the physical market.
The non-PTA phone sold as PTA
A phone described as “PTA approved” can still fail the IMEI check. Send the IMEI from the phone (dial *#06#) by SMS to 8484 before you pay, and make sure it matches the box and the bill. How to check PTA status.
Stock photos
Ask for a photo of the phone next to today’s newspaper or a handwritten date if you cannot meet immediately.
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Sources
This is information about how Mobile Market works. It is not legal advice. Pakistani regulatory questions should be reviewed by a qualified lawyer. Contact help@mobilemarket.pk.