AZE.US
Scammers in Azerbaijan are increasingly disguising themselves as Azərpoçt and private delivery companies in order to steal personal and financial information.
The scheme usually begins with an SMS claiming that a parcel could not be delivered or is being held because of incomplete address details. The message then pushes the recipient to click on a link that appears to lead to a delivery update or payment page.
Specialists warn that this is where the main danger begins. Once a user clicks on the link, fraudsters may gain access to personal data, phone information or, in some cases, banking details.
Experts say one of the first things people should check is the number that sent the message. If there is any doubt about whether it belongs to the real delivery company, the link should not be opened. Instead, the recipient should contact the company directly through its official phone number or website.
Another major risk is that such links may contain malicious software capable of harming the device used to open them. That can expose stored information and create further opportunities for fraud.
Unknown callers also remain part of the scheme. In some cases, fraudsters call from unfamiliar or short numbers while pretending to represent a well-known company. Their aim is to collect sensitive information, including identity details, card numbers or other financial data.
Specialists stress that people should never share card details, one-time verification codes or other confidential information over the phone. Even if the caller claims to represent a trusted company, the safest step is to hang up and call the organization back using an official number.
One reason the scam works is that fake links are often designed to look almost identical to real websites. In messages sent in the name of Azərpoçt, for example, the web address may differ from the legitimate one by just a single letter, making the fraud harder to spot at first glance.
Authorities say reports about such incidents are being reviewed, with police working to identify those responsible and take legal action.
Residents are being urged not to click on suspicious delivery links, not to trust claims about undelivered parcels without verification, and not to share personal or banking information with unknown senders or callers.
Those who encounter such fraud are advised to contact the Interior Ministry through its 102 hotline or via its official social media accounts.
AZE.US