The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan has issued an urgent appeal to citizens, advising them to remain vigilant against cyber fraud and to exercise extreme caution regarding calls and messages from unknown numbers.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the ministry emphasized how a momentary lapse in attention can lead to the loss of financial funds and the theft of personal data.
The MIA noted that individuals posing as bank employees who demand card details, passwords, and other confidential information, as well as those promising high returns in a short period, are clear indicators of fraudulent activity. Information regarding bank cards, including PIN codes and other sensitive data, must never be shared with third parties. It is important to remember that no representative of a bank or financial institution will request such information via phone calls or messages.
Furthermore, special attention should be paid to calls received through the "WhatsApp" application. Citizens are warned not to trust individuals posing as bank staff on WhatsApp who request card details, as these interactions are fraudulent. Additionally, clicking on unknown links sent via social media can lead to the compromise of personal and financial information. Therefore, the credibility of the party must be verified before providing any information during calls made under the guise of "technical support."
In recent years, Azerbaijan has significantly strengthened its digital infrastructure and cybersecurity measures to combat the rising global trend of cybercrime. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service regularly conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public on digital hygiene. As Azerbaijan continues its rapid digital transformation in both the public and private sectors, authorities emphasize that individual vigilance remains the first line of defense against sophisticated phishing and social engineering tactics.
