# HEC degree attestation: fake callers asking for money, HEC says it never takes payment by phone

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/education/hec-degree-attestation-fake-callers-asking-for-money-hec-says-it-never-takes)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 5 Oct 2026
Updated: 5 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 5 Oct 2026

> The real process is online at eservices.hec.gov.pk for Rs 3,000 a document, paid by 1Bill. How to spot the scam call and where to report it.

The **Higher Education Commission (HEC)** has warned that callers posing as its staff are phoning people and asking for money for **degree attestation**, equivalence and related services. HEC says it has **not authorised anyone to contact the public** for these services and **never asks for payment over the phone**, [ProPakistani reported](https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/04/hec-warns-citizens-against-fake-calls-for-degree-attestation/) on Sunday.

The commission also told people not to share PIN codes, passwords, personal details or bank information with anyone who calls. The warning matters because attestation is something hundreds of thousands of graduates go through before a job abroad or a government post, and the fake calls target exactly that moment.

## How real HEC degree attestation works

Attestation is now **fully online and paperless**, according to [HEC's own degree attestation page](https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DAS/Pages/Degree-Attestation.aspx). There is no agent, no phone payment and no visit needed.

1. **Apply yourself** at the HEC e-services portal, **eservices.hec.gov.pk**: sign up, enter your personal and degree details, choose the documents and upload them.
2. **HEC checks the application**, then your university verifies the documents.
3. **Pay only through 1Bill:** when you click "Proceed for Payment" the portal generates a **consumer number**, which you pay through your own banking app or any 1Link channel.
4. **HEC issues an e-Attestation certificate** once verification is complete.

**Fee:** **Rs 3,000 per document** (degree, transcript, provisional certificate or HEC equivalence letter). A degree plus transcript is Rs 6,000.

## Signs a call is a scam

- The caller says they are from HEC and asks you to pay by JazzCash, Easypaisa or a bank transfer to a personal account.
- They offer to "speed up" or "clear" your attestation for an extra fee.
- They ask for a one-time code, your portal password or card details.

None of these happen in the real process. The only payment is the 1Bill consumer number the portal gives you.

## What to do if you get a call

- **Hang up** and do not share any code or detail.
- **Check your application yourself** on eservices.hec.gov.pk.
- **Contact HEC directly:** UAN **111-119-432** or **0334-111-9432**, or online help at onlinehelp.hec.gov.pk.
- **Report the number** to your mobile network's helpline and to the **PTA**, as HEC advises.
- **If you already paid or shared a code:** call your bank's helpline at once to block the account or card, then file a complaint. Our guide to the [PTA courier OTP scam warning](/news/technology/pta-warns-of-courier-otp-scam-never-read-out-the-code-what-to-do-if-you-already) walks through the steps.

Check which SIMs are registered on your CNIC, in case one was issued in your name without your knowledge: [how to check SIMs on your CNIC](/guides/telecom/how-to-check-sims-registered-on-your-cnic-668-sms-and-cnicsimspk).

## Frequently asked questions

**What is the HEC degree attestation fee?**

Rs 3,000 per document (degree, transcript, provisional certificate or equivalence letter), paid with a 1Bill consumer number generated on eservices.hec.gov.pk, according to HEC's degree attestation page (October 2026).

**Does HEC call people about degree attestation?**

No. HEC said on 4 October 2026 that it has not authorised anyone to contact the public about attestation and does not take payments over the phone.

## Sources

- HEC Warns Citizens Against Fake Calls for Degree Attestation (4 Oct 2026) (ProPakistani): https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/04/hec-warns-citizens-against-fake-calls-for-degree-attestation/
- Degree Attestation: Attestation of Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates (accessed 5 Oct 2026) (Higher Education Commission): https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/DAS/Pages/Degree-Attestation.aspx

How to cite: "HEC degree attestation: fake callers asking for money, HEC says it never takes payment by phone", Searchable, 5 Oct 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/education/hec-degree-attestation-fake-callers-asking-for-money-hec-says-it-never-takes