AZE.US
Bank card fraud is becoming a growing problem in Azerbaijan, and the latest figures show how quickly the risk is spreading.
According to Central Bank data, the value of domestic fraudulent transactions with payment cards reached 1,350,492 manats in the first quarter of 2026. That is 3.13 times higher than in the same period last year.
Fraud involving foreign card transactions also increased. During the reporting period, fraudulent operations abroad totaled 325,335 manats, up more than 73% year-on-year.
Experts say the rise is linked not only to more active fraud schemes, but also to careless behavior by cardholders themselves. Many people still share card details, confirmation codes and other sensitive information with third parties. Others enter their card data on suspicious websites or follow fake links sent through social media and messaging apps.
Economist Akram Hasanov said that in many cases, citizens create the risk themselves by giving fraudsters the information they need.
Scammers may call under different pretexts and ask for card numbers, codes or other banking details. In other cases, users shop on unknown websites and unknowingly hand over their card information.
Cybersecurity specialists also warn that fake links and advertisements have become especially common on social networks and messaging platforms. These may appear as job offers, prize draws, discounts, payment notifications or urgent warnings about a bank account.
The scheme is usually simple. A user clicks a link, opens a page that looks like a bank, store or official service, enters card details – and the information goes straight to fraudsters.
Experts advise users to check the original domain of any website before entering personal data. If a link arrives through a messenger or social network, it should not be trusted automatically. The information should be verified through the official website or official communication channels of the relevant company or institution.
Messages that create urgency require particular caution. Phrases such as “confirm immediately,” “you have won,” “receive your payment,” “your account will be blocked” or “click this link” are often used to pressure people into making a mistake.
The basic rule remains unchanged: cardholders should never share their CVV code, SMS confirmation code, PIN code or online banking passwords with anyone. Banks, government agencies and legitimate companies do not request such information through calls, messages or social media links.
The sharp increase in fraud shows that a bank card is no longer just a convenient payment tool. It has become a point of vulnerability, where one fake link or one code shared with the wrong person can be enough to empty an account.
AZE.US