LAHORE: In a move to protect its couriers and uphold platform integrity in Pakistan, global mobility and urban services platform in-Drive, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), has taken action against an organised network posing as fake customers.
As part of the nationwide response, more than 80,000 fraudulent or suspicious accounts have been blocked. The incidents involved criminal groups deliberately targeting in-Drive couriers through deceptive booking practices.
In-Drive Pakistan formally lodged a complaint with the NCCIA after identifying a coordinated fraud scheme in which unknown individuals impersonated military officers and parcel consignees via WhatsApp to deceive couriers, resulting in financial losses.
Investigations revealed that the perpetrators created fake customer accounts and, in several cases, used ranks such as Captain or Major to create urgency and authority. The fraud pattern involved unusually high fares for short-distance deliveries, with couriers instructed to make payments on customers’ behalf using their personal funds. After receiving the money, the fraudsters disappeared. In-Drive policy explicitly prohibits courier-partners from making payments on behalf of customers.
Acting under the supervision of Additional Director NCCIA Islamabad Zone Ehsanullah Chohan (PSP), Sub Inspector Fahad Altaf and Sub Inspector Ijlal Raees investigated the matter in coordination with in-Drive Pakistan. Through data sharing and behavioural pattern analysis, the suspects were identified, an FIR was registered and the accused are currently in judicial custody.
In-Drive said it maintains robust fraud detection and monitoring systems and has increased scrutiny of unusually high courier fare patterns across cities. Country Manager in-Drive Pakistan Awais Saeed said protecting courier partners is a top priority and the company will continue to strengthen monitoring systems and take decisive action against misuse of its services.
The company reiterated that couriers are not required to use personal funds for deliveries and retain full autonomy to accept or decline orders. Advisories have been issued urging couriers to avoid advance payments and report suspicious activity immediately. In-Drive said it will not tolerate any attempt to exploit couriers and remains committed to ensuring safety, transparency and fairness on its platform. Pakistan remains one of in-Drive’s fastest-growing markets, where the company aims to build a community-focused service based on trust and security.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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