Video: NSS Reveals Fraud Cases on Telegram Channels

The National Security Service of Armenia has conducted investigations revealing that numerous Telegram channels are posting advertisements related to the preparation of passports, social cards, driver's licenses, and US and European entry visas for foreign nationals.

Specifically, on the Telegram channel "ArmSecretShop," an announcement states that the channel operator offers to prepare and provide a 10-year US entry permit for $4,000, without the need to visit the US Embassy in Armenia or undergo an interview. The same Telegram channel also claims that for $11,000, they prepare and provide passports for citizens of the Kingdom of Spain and the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as international driver's licenses and identification cards. Furthermore, for $12,000, they offer a British passport, driver's license, and social card.

It was found that the operator of the Telegram channel "ArmSecretShop" demands 50 percent of the cost in cryptocurrency as a down payment for preparing a Canadian passport. After that, the client is required to send a 3x4 cm photo, a photo of their Armenian passport, as well as a photo of fingerprints stamped in blue ink on a document.

The Telegram channel states that they do not meet with users, do not provide a phone number, and work only through postal services. To gain the public's trust, the Telegram channel has published samples of documents attributed to foreigners that supposedly demonstrate their work.

As a result of the measures taken, it was also revealed that the posted documents on the Telegram channel were created using files downloaded from the internet. It is noteworthy that to obtain a passport through official channels, it is required to provide 3.5x4.5 cm photographs, which clearly indicates the operator's engagement in the preparation of fake documents and the fraudulent collection of large sums of money from citizens.

Investigations by the NSS of Armenia have shown that, apart from the Telegram channel named "ArmSecretShop," there are also channels like "Diplomatic passport," "passport sale," "Passport, drivers license ID card for sale," and "Паспорт России" where similar announcements about the preparation of fake passports and other documents are posted.

The aforementioned issues, along with the nearly unregulated domain of the process, the method of payment for document delivery, and the services provided raise serious suspicions about the fraudulent nature of the operation, which includes mechanisms for stealing money from citizens under false pretenses.

Considering the above, the National Security Service of Armenia urges citizens to avoid and refrain from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes, illegal transactions, and experiencing possible financial losses. Additionally, citizens who have already been affected by this criminal scheme are encouraged to contact law enforcement agencies or call the NSS hotline at 1-91.