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In recent years, online fraud cases have been on the rise in Armenia. According to the police, dozens of people lost money in 2024–2025 through fake marketplace websites and other online scams. What used to be simple phone calls “from your bank” or SMS messages about a “prize” has now evolved into much more sophisticated schemes: fake websites, phishing emails “from the tax office,” and bogus investment offers. But the goal is always the same – to get access to your money.

Below, we’ll look at real cases from Armenia and explain how you can protect yourself.

Case 1. Fake Delivery and Online Store Websites

What happened:

Scammers send people a link via SMS or messenger, leading to a cloned website. Victims are asked to pay a “delivery fee” and enter their card details. The money immediately goes to the fraudsters.

How to protect yourself:

1. Always double-check the website address. Scammers often change just one letter (e.g., onexx.am instead of onex.am).
2. Never click on links from messages. Type the website manually.
3. Use a separate card with a small balance for online shopping.

Case 2. Fake “Tax Office” Emails

What happened:

Scammers send emails pretending to be from the State Revenue Committee: “You have unpaid taxes. Pay immediately.” The link takes you to a fake site that asks for your card and passport details.

How to protect yourself:

1. Remember: the tax office never requests payments via email or SMS.
2. Check your tax status only through your personal e-tax account.
3. Delete suspicious emails right away without opening attachments.

Case 3. Bogus Investment Offers

What happened:

You get a call “from a bank” or an “investment company” promising 20–30% returns with no risk. Victims are shown a fake website with “growing capital.” Sending money is easy — withdrawing it is impossible.

How to protect yourself:

1. Know this: “guaranteed 20% returns” do not exist.
2. Banks and licensed brokers never cold-call people with “super-profitable offers.”
3. Verify any investment company in the Central Bank of Armenia’s register.

Case 4. Fraud Using Artificial Intelligence

What happened:

In 2025, cases were reported in Yerevan where scammers used voice deepfakes. Victims received calls that sounded like their “child,” “parent,” or “manager.” The voice was AI-generated from just a few seconds of real audio taken from social media. Common tricks include:

1. “Dad, I’m in trouble. Please send money right away.”
2. “This is accounting, the director said you must pay this invoice immediately.”

People, panicking, send money without checking.

How to protect yourself:

1. Never transfer money just because of a phone call — even if the voice sounds familiar.
2. Call the person back on their official number or agree on a private “code word” only you both know.
3. Be extra cautious if the caller tries to pressure you or creates a sense of urgency.

Case 5. Fake SMS “from Utility Services”

What happened:

In Armenia, people have received fake SMS messages supposedly “from YCTS” (transport cards) or utility providers — gas, electricity, water. The text claims there is an urgent unpaid bill and includes a link for “online payment.” Once the user clicks the link and enters card details, the money is instantly stolen by fraudsters.

How to protect yourself:

1. Remember: official utility companies and YCTS never send payment links via SMS.
2. Check any outstanding bills only through official platforms like armeniapay.am, taxservice.am, or the Gazprom and Electric Networks apps.
3. Pay utility bills through your bank’s app or official payment terminals — never through random links.

Case 6. Fake Pages and “Supermarket Gifts”

What happened:

On Facebook and Instagram in Armenia, fake pages sometimes appear imitating well-known brands — supermarkets, banks, or electronics stores. These pages run “giveaways” promising gift cards, home appliances, or big discounts. To “claim the prize,” users are asked to enter their card details or pay a “small fee.” The page quickly disappears, and the fraudsters take the money or data.

How to protect yourself:

1. Check that the page has a blue verification checkmark.
2. Never send money to “receive a prize” — real promotions don’t require payment.
3. Look closely at the links: official brands use only their own domains (e.g., sas.am, yerevancity.am).
4. Report suspicious pages to the social network’s support team so they can be blocked faster.

Case 7. Fake Telegram Bots “from Banks”

What happened:

In 2024–2025, fake Telegram bots appeared in Armenia, pretending to be official bank services. Users see ads or links, enter the “bot,” and think it’s a quick way to check their balance or apply for a card. The bot asks for card details, CVV code, or even passport data – all of which go straight to scammers.

How to protect yourself:

1. Banks in Armenia do not use Telegram bots for customer services.
2. Access official channels and apps only via the bank’s website or App Store / Google Play.
3. Never enter your card details in messaging apps, no matter how “professional” the interface looks.

Case 8. Fake “Crypto Investments” and NFT Startups

What happened:

Recently, ads have appeared in Armenia promoting “new investment opportunities” — crypto projects, NFT collections, or “Armenian startups with guaranteed returns.” Organizers promise huge profits, show fake reviews and professional-looking websites. In reality, these are simple pyramid schemes: new participants’ money is used to pay older ones. Once the flow of funds stops, the project vanishes.

How to protect yourself:

1. Always check any investment platform in the Central Bank of Armenia’s register of licensed companies.
2. Remember: there is no such thing as guaranteed profits in crypto or NFTs.
3. Never transfer money to projects without real legal registration in Armenia.

FAQ: Common Questions About Phishing in Armenia

Can you get your money back after sending it to scammers?

Sometimes, yes – if you contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback. But the chances depend on the specific case and how fast you react.

What should I do if I entered my card details on a suspicious website?

Block your card right away through your mobile banking app and request a new one.

How can I tell if a phone call is fake?

Bank employees will never ask for your CVV code or SMS password. If someone does — it’s a scammer.

Is it safe to keep all my money on one card?

Yes, if you have SMS notifications enabled. But it’s safer to keep a separate card just for online payments.

Quick Checklist: How to Protect Yourself from Scammers

1. Always check the website address before entering your card details.
2. Never click on links from SMS or emails.
3. Enable SMS or push notifications on your bank account.
4. Keep a separate card with a small balance for online shopping.
5. Never share your CVV code or SMS passwords.
6. Verify companies in the Central Bank of Armenia’s official register.
7. If you suspect fraud, call your bank immediately using the official number.

Conclusion

Scammers prey on fear and greed. But their tricks all fail against one simple rule: never enter your card details unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe.

Stay informed with AFM to keep up with financial security news and stay one step ahead of fraudsters.