Arif Habib Corporation Limited (AHCL) has approached Pakistan’s cybercrime agency over alleged investment scams using Arif Habib’s identity. The company says fake accounts, telephone calls and AI-generated videos are targeting investors and members of the public.
In a September 14 public notice, AHCL said it lodged a formal complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency on September 4. It sought case registration, an investigation and the removal or blocking of fraudulent content.
The company said it was also pursuing available legal remedies against those responsible.
Fake accounts and calls target investors
AHCL alleged that unidentified individuals had created fraudulent accounts and pages on TikTok, Facebook and other online platforms.
It said the material misused the name, photograph, voice and likeness of Arif Habib. He chairs Arif Habib Group and serves as AHCL’s chief executive officer.
According to the company, those behind the content used AI-generated or deepfake videos to solicit money for unauthorised investment schemes.
The alleged activity extended beyond social media. AHCL said fraudulent callers also contacted group clients and members of the public.
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The company denied any connection with the solicitations. It said neither Arif Habib, AHCL nor another group entity had launched, endorsed or sponsored the schemes.
That denial covered the associated platforms, accounts, pages and telephone approaches.
The announcement did not confirm whether NCCIA had registered a case or begun an investigation. It also did not identify suspects or disclose any financial losses.
Earlier warning rejected Rs500,000 weekly earnings claim
AHCL described the latest incidents as part of a broader pattern involving misuse of Arif Habib’s name.
It referred to a July 31 warning from its listed subsidiary, Arif Habib Limited (AHL). That notice addressed a fabricated news article circulating online and on social media.
The article falsely claimed Arif Habib had launched an AI investment platform guaranteeing earnings of up to Rs500,000 a week.
AHL rejected the claim and denied any affiliation with the publication or platforms promoting it. The company filed that warning with the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
AHCL said it had also published a caution notice on its official website before approaching NCCIA.
Company directs public to official channels
AHCL urged investors and the public not to engage with unauthorised online content or act on suspicious telephone solicitations.
It identified AHL as the group’s only authorised entity for investment-related information and services. Official announcements come through the respective companies’ websites and the Pakistan Stock Exchange, it said.
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The complaint reflects a wider impersonation problem facing investors internationally. The North American Securities Administrators Association warns that deepfake scams recreate prominent individuals’ faces and voices to promote supposed investment opportunities.
Its advisory notes that convincing videos can make fraudulent endorsements difficult to recognise.
