Introduction

With the rapid growth of online marketplaces and freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com, overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals are increasingly engaging Pakistani freelancers for projects and services. However, this convenience has also given rise to E-Commerce Frauds Perpetuating in Pakistan, where unsuspecting clients are scammed through fake profiles, non-delivery of services, or unauthorized fund transfers.

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Such frauds not only cause financial losses but also create confusion regarding legal recourse, especially when the victim is located abroad. Overseas clients may not be familiar with Pakistan’s cybercrime laws or the complaint process, making it essential to understand how to protect oneself and seek justice.

In this blog, we explore the common types of online e-commerce and freelancing frauds targeting overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals, present real anonymized case examples, and provide a step-by-step guide to legal remedies under Pakistan’s PECA 2016 and Pakistan Penal Code, including the role of NCCIA / FIA.

By reading this guide, overseas clients can better identify potential frauds, preserve evidence, and take legal action effectively against scammers operating in Pakistan.

What Are Online E-Commerce & Freelancing Frauds?

Definition

E-commerce and freelancing frauds are illegal acts where scammers deceive clients to gain financial benefits, usually through digital means. Examples include:

Fake payment requests
Non-delivery of services
Phishing and account hijacking
Unauthorized fund transfers

How Freelancing Scams Target Overseas Pakistanis & Foreign Nationals

Creation of fake freelancer profiles or portfolios to appear credible
Requesting payments outside official platform channels like PayPal, bank transfer, or cryptocurrency
Disputes after upfront payments, including refusal to deliver or providing substandard work
Phishing and identity theft to gain access to client accounts or sensitive information

Common Scams Targeting Overseas Pakistanis & Foreign Nationals

Freelancing and e-commerce platforms are increasingly targeted by scammers in Pakistan. Overseas clients are often vulnerable due to distance, unfamiliarity with local laws, and reliance on digital communication. Common scams include:

Non-Delivery or Fake Services

Payment is received but agreed-upon work is not delivered
High-quality service promises are false or exaggerated

Payment Fraud Outside Official Platforms

Scammers request off-platform payments via bank transfer, PayPal, or cryptocurrency
Once funds are transferred, clients lose control and recourse

Identity Theft & Phishing

Stealing login credentials or personal information
Unauthorized access to accounts or misuse of funds

Overcharging or False Claims

Extra payments demanded post-project
Fake contracts may be presented to legitimize false claims

Account Takeover / Escrow Misuse

Hijacking escrow accounts or manipulating platform dispute systems
Funds released without services being delivered

Real Case Example 1: Online E-Commerce Fraud Targeting an Overseas Client

In a recent case I am handling, I am acting as the authorized legal representative of an overseas client who was defrauded by a freelancer operating from Pakistan. The scam involved fraudulent project commitments and unauthorized fund transfers into Pakistani bank accounts.

The overseas client had initially approached me after filing a police complaint in their home country, seeking legal recourse in Pakistan. To act on their behalf, the client executed a Special Power of Attorney, duly apostilled, authorizing the member of our law firm to pursue legal proceedings in Pakistan.

As the authorized legal representative, I am planning to file a detailed complaint with NCCIA, which will include evidence such as:

Bank transaction records showing the fraudulent transfers
Communications on freelancing and e-commerce platforms (Fiverr, Upwork, or similar)
Emails, chat records, and screenshots

I am also planning to take further legal action against the scammer, including:

Tracing and freezing the fraudulent bank accounts in Pakistan
Pursuing criminal proceedings under PECA 2016 (Sections 18 & 20)
Invoking relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (Sections 420, 468, 471)

This case illustrates the growing risk of online e-commerce and freelancing frauds perpetrated in Pakistan against overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals.

Key lessons for overseas victims:

Preserve evidence of all transactions and communications
Appoint a competent legal representative in Pakistan through a Special Power of Attorney
Plan to file complaints with NCCIA / FIA

Real Case Example 2: Established Public Case of Online/Freelancing Fraud

Another well-documented example involves overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals being defrauded through fake freelancer profiles on international platforms, as reported by Pakistani news outlets and NCCIA statistics.

In these cases, scammers:

Created convincing freelancer accounts on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com
Requested upfront payments from overseas clients
Either failed to deliver promised services or withdrew funds fraudulently once payment was made

Investigations by NCCIA and FIA in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have resulted in arrests and prosecution under PECA 2016, demonstrating that online e-commerce frauds targeting overseas clients are a recurring problem in Pakistan.

Takeaways:

Use official platform escrow/payment systems
Verify freelancer profiles and client reviews
Avoid off-platform payments
Understand legal remedies under PECA 2016 and Pakistan Penal Code

Legal Framework in Pakistan (PECA 2016 & Pakistan Penal Code)

Understanding Pakistan’s legal framework is crucial for overseas clients to take action.

Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016

Section 18 – Electronic Fraud: Fraud or misrepresentation through electronic means
Section 20 – Offences Against Property: Unauthorized access or theft of property digitally
Sections 21–24 – Unauthorized Access & Data Theft: Phishing, hacking, misappropriation

PECA allows foreign victims to file complaints through authorized representatives in Pakistan.

Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)

Section 420 – Cheating
Section 468 – Forgery
Section 471 – Using Forged Documents

Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) / NCCIA

Investigates cyber fraud, including online e-commerce and freelancing scams
Overseas victims can file complaints via authorized legal representatives
Handles evidence collection, bank tracing, and coordination with local/international authorities

Key Takeaways for Overseas Clients

File complaints through an authorized legal representative
Collect and preserve all digital evidence: transactions, communications, emails, screenshots
Understand PECA and PPC provisions to plan legal remedies

How Overseas Pakistanis & Foreign Nationals Can Proceed Legally Against Scammers Operating in Pakistan

Online e-commerce and freelancing frauds often involve cross-border jurisdiction, where the victim resides abroad and the scammer operates from Pakistan. A two-stage strategy is recommended:

Action in the victim’s home country
Formal proceedings in Pakistan through a Special Authorized Legal Representative

This dual approach strengthens the legal case, validates evidence, and enables Pakistani authorities to take effective enforcement action.

Step One: Initiating Legal Action in the Victim’s Home Country

Filing a Police or Cybercrime Complaint Abroad

File complaint with local police/cybercrime authorities
Obtain complaint number/reference
Include: platform used, scammer’s digital identity, fraud nature and amount, payment method and dates

Reporting to Freelancing Platforms & Financial Institutions

File disputes with Fiverr / Upwork / Freelancer
Notify PayPal, Stripe, banks, or card issuers
Preserve dispute IDs, platform acknowledgments, transaction confirmations

Preservation of Evidence

Bank transfer records, emails, chat logs, screenshots
Freelancer profiles, URLs
Contracts, invoices, project descriptions
⚠️ Evidence must remain unaltered and authentic

Step Two: Appointment of a Special Authorized Legal Representative in Pakistan

Execution of Special Power of Attorney (SPA)

Execute SPA in favor of a Pakistani advocate
Attested by competent authority in home country
Apostilled if applicable
Authorize representative to file NCCIA complaints, submit evidence, appear before FIA/NCCIA/courts, and pursue criminal/civil remedies

Legal Importance of SPA

Without SPA, NCCIA may refuse complaint, banks may not disclose accounts, courts may not recognize standing
With SPA, legal representative can act lawfully and independently

Step Three: Filing a Complaint with NCCIA in Pakistan

Complaint Filing Procedure

File detailed written complaint with NCCIA
Attach apostilled SPA, foreign police complaint, bank proofs, platform communications/screenshots
🔗 NCCIA Portal: https://complaint.nccia.gov.pk

Scope of NCCIA Investigation

Trace and freeze Pakistani bank accounts
Obtain data from platforms
Register criminal proceedings under PECA 2016 & PPC

Step Four: Criminal Proceedings in Pakistan

Accused may be arrested, challan submitted, prosecuted
Commonly applied laws: PECA 2016 Sections 18 & 20, PPC Sections 420, 468, 471
Supports asset recovery and restitution

Step Five: Civil Remedies & Financial Recovery

File civil suits for recovery of money and compensation
Courts may order refunds, damages, and attachment of accounts

Step Six: International Coordination & Cross-Border Assistance

NCCIA may coordinate with foreign law-enforcement agencies, INTERPOL, MLA frameworks
Useful when funds or assets move across jurisdictions

Step Seven: Practical Guidance for Overseas Victims

✔ Initiate action in home country first
✔ Preserve all digital evidence
✔ Execute SPA
✔ Engage competent legal representative in Pakistan
✔ Act promptly

Legal Insight: Overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals are entitled to full legal protection under Pakistani law if procedural pathways are followed via authorized legal representation and NCCIA.

Remedies and Recovery

Freezing and Tracing Fraudulent Accounts

Trace and freeze scammer bank accounts
Evidence from platforms and transactions strengthens the case

Criminal Prosecution under PECA 2016

Sections 18 & 20: electronic fraud and property offences
Filing complaint enables investigation, arrest, and prosecution

Civil Claims for Compensation

Pursue civil remedies for financial loss
Courts may order refunds or damages

Coordination with International Authorities

INTERPOL and MLA assistance for foreign nationals
Platform cooperation (Fiverr, Upwork, PayPal) for evidence/support

Practical Tips for Recovery

Maintain digital and physical evidence
Ensure competent legal representation
Follow up with NCCIA/FIA regularly

Preventive Measures for Overseas Pakistanis and Foreign Nationals

Use official platform payment systems
Verify freelancer profiles and reviews
Sign written contracts
Preserve all communications and evidence
Avoid phishing and social engineering
Seek professional legal advice early

Conclusion

Online e-commerce and freelancing platforms offer opportunities for overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals but carry risks of fraud.

Key Takeaways:

Preserve all evidence of transactions, communications, and agreements
Appoint a competent legal representative via SPA
File complaints with NCCIA/FIA promptly
Use official platform payment systems and verify freelancer credentials
Understand PECA 2016 and Pakistan Penal Code provisions

Following these steps enables overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals to protect themselves, pursue legal remedies, and increase the likelihood of recovering losses.

Disclaimer ⚖️

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For personalized assistance regarding E-Commerce Frauds Perpetuating in Pakistan, consult a qualified lawyer or legal representative in Pakistan.

Comments Section 💬

We welcome your thoughts, questions, and experiences regarding online e-commerce frauds. Share your comments in any language you are comfortable with.

💡 Tip: Your input may help others stay informed and avoid similar scams.

Call to Action

For overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals seeking legal guidance or assistance with online e-commerce or freelancing frauds, professional support is essential.

Contact:
Pakistan Legal Services
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +92-333-4241182
🌐 www.pakistanlegalservices.com