The Azerbaijan Press Council has warned that fake WhatsApp accounts are being created in the names of prominent journalists and used to send messages.

Axar.az informs that according to law enforcement agencies, these activities are carried out by organized cybercrime networks operating outside Azerbaijan.

"Using artificial intelligence algorithms and specialized software, these groups target public officials, employees of various enterprises and organizations, journalists, and other citizens. Despite numerous public awareness campaigns, some people continue to fall victim to such scams,” the Azerbaijan Press Council said in a warning issued on the matter.

The statement also noted that the Azerbaijan Press Council had urged journalists and media professionals to remain vigilant, warning that such incidents could become a concerning trend rather than remain isolated cases.

“Suspicious messages should not be trusted, answered or shared without first verifying their authenticity, even when they appear to have been sent by people the recipients know. Verifying the source and authenticity of information, particularly information concerning public and political affairs, is especially important. Messages sent through fake accounts are intended to create misleading perceptions of individuals, damage their reputations and mislead public opinion,” the statement emphasized.

The Azerbaijan Press Council urged journalists and the public to remain highly vigilant in the digital space, carefully verify information sources and avoid contributing to the spread of potential provocations through fake accounts.