The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan has issued a formal warning to citizens regarding the rising risks associated with online shopping.
This information was provided to the Operative Information Center-OMM by the ministry.
The ministry noted that despite ongoing awareness campaigns and numerous previous warnings, instances of citizens falling victim to cyber fraud during online transactions continue to be reported.
Investigations and incoming reports indicate that cybercriminals are creating fraudulent sales pages, offering various products at attractive prices. Once payment is received, the scammers terminate contact with the victim, blocking their phone numbers and social media accounts.
In an official statement, the ministry advised: "To prevent such incidents, citizens are urged to verify the reliability of sales pages encountered on the internet and social networks beforehand. Do not order products from unknown or untrusted individuals, and be particularly cautious of offers that require advance payment."
The MIA emphasized that before placing an order or making a payment, it is essential to verify the seller's information, contact details, and the authenticity of the page. "Do not make payments to pages or sites you do not trust or are unsure about. Never share your bank card details, CVV/CVC codes, SMS confirmation codes, or other confidential information with third parties," the statement added.
Cyber fraud remains a significant challenge in the digital age, as criminals increasingly exploit the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms. Experts advise consumers to use secure, well-known payment gateways and to check for reviews or official business registrations before completing transactions.
If you encounter instances of cyber fraud, immediately contact the MIA's "102" Service Call Center or reach out via the ministry's official social media accounts.
