Over the past several weeks, Azerbaijani users have reported a surge in suspicious job offers circulating across social networks and instant-messaging platforms – particularly through a Telegram channel calling itself “Temu 1106.”
The messages promise easy remote work, quick payouts and “high daily income for simple online tasks.” In reality, experts say, they are part of a growing ecosystem of online fraud targeting personal data and bank accounts.
The schemes follow a familiar pattern: victims receive a message claiming they can earn significant money without skills or experience. A link follows – often leading to a fake website or app designed to harvest sensitive data. Once the victim enters personal information or downloads the suggested file, criminals gain access to banking apps, authentication codes and digital identity documents.
A quiet shift toward more aggressive tactics
Cybersecurity specialist Elvin Abbasov says the recent wave of job-related scams is a polished version of classic phishing and social-engineering techniques.
“These schemes no longer rely only on tricking someone into sending money,” he told Patrul.az.
“The primary danger now is large-scale data theft – bank card details, ID documents, Google Authenticator codes. With this information, criminals can take over mobile banking, issue online loans in the victim’s name, or even gain full control of the device.”
Abbasov warns that malicious software can be installed silently through the links sent by scammers. From there, attackers may monitor activity, intercept SMS codes, or access two-factor authentication tools widely used in Azerbaijan’s banking sector.
“The rule of thumb is simple,” he added. “If the offer promises high income for minimal effort, and if it arrives through Telegram or WhatsApp, it’s almost certainly a scam. Legitimate employers never ask for scans of bank cards, photos of IDs or SMS verification codes.”
The psychological trap behind “easy money”
IT analyst Natiq Mammadov notes that the success of these schemes often depends not on technical sophistication but on timing and psychology.
“People are busy, tired, stressed. When they see a message promising 50, 100 or even 200 manats per day without experience, they don’t always stop to question it,” he said. “And the scammers understand this perfectly.”
In many cases, he added, the profiles behind the offers provide no official address, no company registration, and no real contact information – yet still manage to attract victims. Some fake “job agencies” request upfront payments labeled as training fees, security deposits, or “activation charges.”
“No legitimate employer asks new workers to pay before they start. It’s an immediate red flag,” Mammadov said.
A rising threat across social platforms
Experts say the problem reaches far beyond Telegram. WhatsApp, Instagram and popular dating platforms are increasingly used to distribute malicious links. One common trick: scammers send a fake airline-ticket link to verify a booking, prompting victims to enter card details.
“Even the domain names look almost identical to real websites – one letter changed, or a tiny symbol added,” Mammadov said. “Most users don’t notice until it’s too late.”
Another widespread tactic involves taking over social media accounts. Once hacked, the profile is used to message friends or followers with new fraudulent links – giving the scam a false appearance of legitimacy.
How to stay safe
Specialists recommend several simple but essential precautions:
Do not open links sent by unknown or suspicious accounts.
Never share card numbers, CVV codes, SMS confirmations or ID photos with anyone.
Ignore job offers promising high income with no experience, especially if they come through messaging apps.
Verify employers through official websites, job platforms or state-licensed recruitment services.
Report and block suspicious channels immediately.
“These schemes will continue to evolve,” Abbasov said. “The only real protection is awareness. Users need to assume that if something seems too good to be true online, it almost certainly is.”
