Azerbaijan.US
Cases of fraud involving elderly and socially isolated people have been increasing in Azerbaijan, with scammers relying on psychological pressure rather than technical sophistication.
According to cybersecurity expert Elnur Atayev, criminals most often contact victims via phone calls, SMS messages, or suspicious links, attempting to obtain bank card details and personal information.
Scammers frequently pose as bank employees, law enforcement officers, or representatives of official institutions. Victims are told that their bank card has been blocked, a loan has been issued in their name, or a close relative is in urgent trouble. These claims are designed to create fear and force quick, emotional decisions.
“Elderly people are particularly vulnerable because scammers take advantage of limited digital literacy and a natural tendency to trust authority,” the expert explains. “When people feel rushed or frightened, they are more likely to share sensitive information without verifying it.”
Experts stress that banks and government institutions never ask for bank card numbers, CVV codes, PINs, or one-time SMS verification codes over the phone or by message. Any such request should be treated as a clear sign of fraud.
Cybersecurity specialists advise against answering calls from unknown numbers, clicking on suspicious links, or installing unfamiliar applications. Sharing personal or financial information with unknown contacts significantly increases the risk of financial loss.
Family involvement plays a critical role in prevention. Experts recommend that relatives regularly talk to elderly family members about common scam tactics, explain them in simple language, and encourage them to seek advice before taking any action.
If a suspicious call or message is received, experts advise ending the communication immediately, contacting the bank directly using official channels, and reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities. Acting quickly can prevent both financial losses and further complications.
Specialists emphasize that staying calm, taking time to verify information, and double-checking claims with trusted people are often enough to stop a scam before any damage is done.
