Pakistan AI‑Powered SIM Lookup Scam Highlights Language Model Hallucinations

Websites in Pakistan that market a "SIM owner details online check" have rebranded their services with AI chatbots, claiming to retrieve a subscriber’s name, ID number and address from a mobile number. In reality, Pakistan’s subscriber registry is closed to the public; no language model can access it, so the AI fabricates data, producing a realistic but false record.

Experts warn that the same flaw appears in AI‑based search tools, which can treat satirical or unverified posts as credible sources. A recent incident saw an AI engine report the death of former U.S. President Donald Trump based on a Reddit satire post. The misuse of user‑generated content and emerging “Answer Engine Optimization” tactics amplify the risk of misinformation, prompting calls for independent verification of AI‑generated answers.