The Press Council has issued a warning regarding the creation of fake WhatsApp accounts and sending messages in the name of journalists.
This was reported to elchi by the PC.
It was stated that in recent days, information has been received about the creation of fake WhatsApp accounts in the names of well-known journalists and the sending of various messages through these accounts:
“It is clear from the statements of law enforcement agencies that such activities are carried out by organized cybercriminal networks operating outside the borders of Azerbaijan. These groups use artificial intelligence algorithms and special software to target public officials, employees of various enterprises and organizations, as well as journalists and other citizens. Despite numerous awareness-raising measures, some citizens still fall victim to such fraudulent activities.
Considering that such incidents are not limited to isolated cases and can become a disturbing trend, the Press Council of Azerbaijan urges journalists and media workers in general to be vigilant. It is important not to trust, respond to, or disseminate the content of suspicious messages, even if they are sent in the name of people you know, without verifying their authenticity. In particular, verifying the source and authenticity of information of a socio-political nature is of great importance. It should not be forgotten that messages sent through fake accounts aim to create a false impression about individuals, damage their reputation, and mislead public opinion.”
The Press Council has recommended that individuals encountering similar situations call the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ 102 service and inform law enforcement agencies.
“You can also apply to the police departments in your area. Contact the National Cybersecurity Agency. Send information about the incident to the email address info@nca.az or contact the Agency’s 1654 hotline. Inform the public. Publicize through your personal social media accounts that a fake account is operating in your name. Let people know that messages sent from that account do not belong to you and that their content should not be accepted as truth. Report the fake account to the WhatsApp platform. To do this, go to the account’s profile and use the available reporting function. Keep screenshots of messages sent from the fake account, the phone number, and other relevant information as evidence. Other victims can also be encouraged to send complaints in the appropriate manner to block the fake account. Complaints from at least 15 people are more effective. Verify the authenticity of messages through alternative means. When you receive a suspicious message in the name of someone you know, contact them via phone call or another known communication channel to confirm the accuracy of the information. Journalists and other media representatives, when encountering such situations, can also inform the Press Council of Azerbaijan and apply to the Council for relevant support. The Press Council of Azerbaijan calls on journalists and the public to be vigilant in the digital environment, to verify information sources, and not to facilitate the spread of possible provocations carried out through fake accounts,” the statement said.