Fake Employee Calls Claiming Millions Transferred from Azerbaijan: Expert Warns

"I seriously misjudged, thinking we had overcome this attack. They are now assaulting people with renewed vigor. Many different individuals are being targeted—those from the business sector, doctors, musicians. They are very well-prepared, knowing who people are, their connections, and how to psychologically influence individuals. I already know several people who have suffered significant financial losses as a result of this. Please warn your acquaintances!" This was stated by information security expert Samvel Martirosyan on his Facebook page.

“Now, regarding the core topic, I repeat my post: a warning about targeted attacks. Let me describe the scenario: 1. A fake WhatsApp or Viber account connects with you, posing as a close acquaintance. A person you trust. They are well-prepared, saying that the National Security Service has discovered a serious issue. But they add that your acquaintance has intervened, and you simply need to cooperate. Then a person claiming to be an NSS employee will call you. 2. A fake employee calls. They speak Russian, stating that millions of dollars have been transferred to your account from Azerbaijan. When asked why they are speaking Russian, they claim this is a joint operation with Azerbaijan and that the materials need to be used in a court there. 3. Then they involve the Central Bank, saying that you need to withdraw your funds in cash and send them to a new account to avoid mixing with the ‘bad money,’ and other similar things. As you can imagine, the money will disappear!

Interesting facts: 1. In the cases I know of, civil society members and media representatives have been targeted. However, it is possible that the targeting may be broader. 2. They prepare very well, examining people's connections,” Martirosyan wrote.