Armenia's NSS Warns of Rise in Online Scams

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has issued a statement.

"Cases of attacks on citizens' computer data through the targeting of internet platforms, with the aim of inputting, changing, destroying, blocking (isolating) data, or otherwise influencing the operation of a computer, computer system, or computer network without authorization provided by law, contract, or other legitimate basis, have become widespread recently.

Specifically, various types of correspondence that do not correspond to reality are being conducted through various internet communication applications (especially WhatsApp) opened in the names of various officials, with the intent of committing theft from the population through deception or abuse of trust, illegally obtaining information constituting banking secrets, as well as compelling employees of various state institutions to use their official powers or influence to the detriment of state or service interests, to perform actions or inactions arising from their official duties, and thus to obtain information.

In order to avoid such fraudulent activities, we urge you to be vigilant.

Similar cases are within the constant monitoring domain of the RA National Security Service, and appropriate measures are being taken to identify the persons who have allegedly committed the crime and bring them to justice as prescribed by law".