Computer Plaza Fraud Ring Exposed
How organized fraud groups in Hafeez Center, Mobile Mall, and computer markets coordinate bulk fake COD orders to scam Pakistani e-commerce stores out of millions.
WARNING: Active Fraud Operations
Based on our investigation of 523+ Pakistani stores, we've identified active organized fraud ringsoperating from computer markets in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. These groups are responsible for Rs 2-3 crore monthly losses across Pakistani e-commerce.
This report is based on data collected from November 2023 to December 2024. Names and specific locations have been generalized to protect ongoing investigations.
What Are Computer Plaza Fraud Rings?
Unlike individual scammers, computer plaza fraud rings are organized groups of 10-30 people who:
Work in Coordination
Each member has 3-5 different SIM cards. They coordinate attacks on specific stores, placing 50-100 fraudulent orders in a single day to overwhelm verification systems.
Target High-Value Items
Focus on iPhones, laptops, gaming consoles, designer clothing, and electronics worth Rs 30,000-150,000 per order.
Use Shared Resources
Pool money to buy temporary SIM cards, fake CNICs, and share "safe" delivery addresses where couriers won't verify identity.
Rotate Tactics
When one method gets detected, they switch to different networks, addresses, or product categories within days.
Major Fraud Hotspots in Pakistan
Hafeez Center & Computer Markets (Lahore)
- • Hafeez Center (Hall Road)
- • Ghazni Street computer shops
- • Fortress Stadium area
- • 35% of Lahore COD fraud
- • 15-20 active groups identified
- • Rs 80-120 lakh monthly damage
Saddar & Mobile Markets (Karachi)
- • Saddar mobile markets
- • Tariq Road electronic shops
- • Bolton Market vicinity
- • 28% of Karachi COD fraud
- • 12-15 active groups identified
- • Rs 60-90 lakh monthly damage
Jinnah Super & Blue Area (Islamabad)
- • Jinnah Super Market shops
- • Blue Area electronics
- • G-10 Markaz markets
- • 22% of Islamabad COD fraud
- • 8-10 active groups identified
- • Rs 40-60 lakh monthly damage
Inside a Fraud Ring: How They Operate
Case Study: The "Hafeez Center 15"
Phase 1: Reconnaissance (1-2 days)
Group identifies target stores by browsing Facebook/Instagram ads. They look for:
- ✓ New stores (weak fraud detection)
- ✓ Stores running big sales (overwhelmed staff)
- ✓ High-value products (iPhones, laptops)
- ✓ COD-only stores (no prepayment required)
Phase 2: Test Order (Day 1)
One member places a small "test order" (Rs 2,000-5,000) to check:
- • Does the store call to verify?
- • How thorough is their verification?
- • Do they ship without confirmation?
- • Which courier service do they use?
Phase 3: Bulk Attack (Day 2-3)
If the test order succeeds (or verification is weak), the entire group attacks:
- • 15 members × 3 SIMs each = 45 fraudulent orders
- • Placed over 6-8 hours (to avoid suspicion)
- • All high-value items (Rs 30K-80K each)
- • Different names but similar addresses (near Hafeez Center)
- • Total attempted theft: Rs 18-25 lakh
Phase 4: Collection/Rejection (Day 4-5)
When courier attempts delivery, members either:
• Accept packages if they believe items are valuable enough to resell quickly
• Reject packages claiming "didn't order" to waste store resources
• Simply don't answer (phone disconnected), forcing return-to-sender
Out of 45 orders, fraudsters successfully receive or cause losses on 27-32 orders. Store loses Rs 12-18 lakh in a single attack.
Red Flags That Indicate Organized Fraud
Multiple Orders Same Area
10+ orders in one day all with delivery addresses near Hafeez Center, Saddar, or other fraud hotspots.
Sequential Phone Numbers
Numbers like 0311-1234567, 0311-1234568, 0311-1234569 (bought in bulk from same shop).
Only Expensive Products
Every order contains your top-priced items. No small or mid-range orders mixed in.
Same IP Address
All orders placed from same IP (they're all sitting in the same computer plaza shop).
How to Protect Your Store
1. Blacklist High-Risk Addresses
Automatically flag or block deliveries to known fraud hotspot addresses:
Shippley Auto-Blocks: Orders to Hafeez Center, Mobile Mall, and 50+ other identified fraud locations are automatically flagged for extra verification.
2. Limit Orders Per IP Address
Set rules: Maximum 3 orders per IP per day. If exceeded, require prepayment or extra verification.
3. AI Pattern Detection
Shippley's AI automatically detects bulk fraud patterns:
- • Sequential phone numbers
- • Multiple orders same area within hours
- • Same device fingerprint across orders
- • Unusual order velocity spikes
4. Require Prepayment for High-Risk Orders
For orders going to computer plaza areas or high-value items (Rs 30K+), require 50% advance payment via JazzCash/Easypaisa.
Real Success Story
Karachi Electronics Store Stops Rs 15 Lakh Attack
35 orders placed within 6 hours, all for iPhones and AirPods. All delivery addresses near Saddar mobile markets. Total value: Rs 18 lakh.
AI detected:
• 35 orders from same general area (500m radius)
• All within 6 hours
• Sequential Jazz number patterns
• All orders contained only highest-priced items
AI flagged all 35 orders. Store called 10 numbers - all disconnected or wrong person. Zero shipments made.
Stop Organized Fraud Rings with AI
Shippley's AI has stopped 280+ organized fraud attacks since launch
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