A new wave of fraud in Armenia: Fake calls from the “national security service”

A sophisticated phone scam is spreading across Armenia, disguising itself as a joint operation between the Armenian National Security Service (NSS) and Azerbaijan. According to cybersecurity expert Samvel Martirosyan, these attacks have recently become more aggressive and personalized, targeting not only journalists and activists but also businesspeople, doctors, and musicians. Martirosyan shared the warning on Facebook, urging everyone to stay alert. Several people have already suffered serious financial losses.

Escalation of Attacks: From Journalists to the General Public

Martirosyan, known for his work on cyber threat awareness, admitted: “I was seriously mistaken in thinking we had overcome this attack. Now they’re back, stronger than before.” He says scammers are well-prepared: they study their victims’ social ties, surroundings, and even psychological weaknesses to manipulate trust. “They know who’s who, who people are connected to, and how to influence them emotionally,” the expert emphasized.

Originally, the main targets were civil society members and media representatives, but now the circle has expanded — anyone could become a victim.

Scam Scenario: Step by Step, How You’re Tricked

Martirosyan outlined a typical scenario so that everyone can recognize the danger. Fraudsters use fake WhatsApp or Viber accounts, posing as someone close — a relative, friend, or colleague you trust. Every detail is carefully crafted.

1. A Message from a “Friend”: You receive a text from a fake profile of someone you know, warning that the NSS has detected a serious issue under your name — for instance, suspicious money transfers. Your “friend” claims to have helped you by speaking to someone and says an NSS officer will soon call you.
2. The “Officer” Calls: A fake NSS agent, speaking Russian, explains that millions of dollars were allegedly transferred from your account in Azerbaijan. When asked why they’re speaking Russian, they reply that this is a joint operation with Azerbaijan and that the case will go to court in Baku.
3. The Central Bank Trap: The fraudsters then claim you must urgently withdraw your money and transfer it to a “secure” account to “separate clean funds from dirty ones.” They say the Central Bank is coordinating the operation. In reality, the money goes straight to the scammers.

Martirosyan stresses that these are not random cold calls — they are targeted attacks, based on reconnaissance through social media and personal data.

How to Protect Yourself: Practical Advice

To avoid becoming a victim of such scams:

• Verify the source: If someone claims to call from the NSS, hang up and dial the official number yourself.
• Never transfer money based on someone’s instructions over the phone.
• Ignore pressure tactics: Scammers create urgency (“act now or get arrested”). The real NSS never asks for money or codes.
• Secure your accounts: Enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp and Viber, avoid suspicious links, and use antivirus protection.
• If you were targeted: Contact the NSS or the police immediately.
• Spread awareness: Share these stories on social media and warn relatives and colleagues — prevention is the best defense.

In Short…

A surge in phone fraud is sweeping Armenia: fake “NSS” officers speaking Russian convince victims that millions were “transferred from Azerbaijan,” tricking them into sending their money to “secure” accounts. Targets now include activists, professionals, and ordinary citizens. The scammers’ level of preparation is alarming — they study victims in advance. The main advice: verify every call, never transfer money, and alert authorities. Warning others could save both money and peace of mind.