The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan has issued a public warning regarding the growing number of cyber scams targeting citizens.
According to the statement, fraudsters are contacting individuals through phone calls, text messages, or suspicious links while posing as “bank specialists.” They attempt to convince victims that their bank accounts or cards have been “compromised” and that their funds are at risk of being stolen. Exploiting this sense of panic, scammers then request victims to share their confidential card information under the pretext of “protecting their money.”
A particularly alarming trend is the use of video calls by scammers, which allows them to appear more convincing, manipulate victims in real time, and even guide them through changing their phone settings—ultimately gaining access to their bank accounts.
The ministry emphasizes a critical point that citizens must keep in mind: no legitimate bank employee will ever ask for your full card number, PIN, CVV, or OTP codes, nor will they send links, SMS messages, or emails to obtain such information. Even in cases of suspected suspicious activity or technical issues, bank representatives have no need to request confidential data.
The only information a bank employee may ask for is limited to the first or last four digits of your card number, your registered phone number, and your ID’s FIN code.
“Remember: anyone who asks for your full card number, PIN, CVV, or OTP codes is a fraudster. Do not trust them—end the call immediately if you feel suspicious,” the statement concludes.
“Let’s protect your bank card security together!”
