Aze.US
Cases of phone and online fraud involving criminals posing as relatives, sellers, or bank employees are drawing renewed attention in Azerbaijan, as authorities and experts warn of evolving cyber-scam tactics targeting bank card data and personal information.
Specialists say attackers continue to adapt their methods while pursuing the same objective – gaining access to victims’ financial accounts.
Despite repeated public warnings, some individuals still share sensitive card details, after which funds are rapidly withdrawn.
Fraud schemes increasingly involve messages on social networks sent from compromised or fake accounts, as well as calls from unknown numbers claiming urgent financial issues or attractive purchase offers. Experts advise verifying such requests through direct contact and avoiding suspicious links or payment prompts.
Banking professionals emphasize that legitimate bank staff may only confirm limited identifying information, such as partial card digits or a registered phone number.
Full card numbers, CVV codes, one-time SMS verification codes, and 3-D security credentials are never requested by banks.
Once this data is obtained, criminals can access accounts and initiate unauthorized transactions. Many incidents are linked to phishing websites, spoofed platforms, or social-engineering tactics designed to pressure victims into immediate action.
Law-enforcement agencies say public awareness campaigns and preventive measures are ongoing, but stress that user vigilance remains the most effective line of defense.
Authorities reiterate a central rule: any request for complete banking credentials via phone, message, or link should be treated as a likely fraud attempt.