“We are switching you to 5G, type a command”: IDBank warns about a fraud disguised as a “network update”

Amid the active expansion of fifth-generation mobile networks in Armenia, a rise in fraud activity has been recorded. Scammers, posing as employees of telecommunications companies, offer to “upgrade settings” or “activate 5G” using phone commands.

Mechanics of deception: interception of control over communication

The scheme is based on the manipulating USSD commands - short service codes (for example, *123#). Under the pretext of “switching to a new network standard” scammers convince victims to enter a combination of numbers, that actually activates unconditional call and SMS forwarding to the scammer’s phone number. In some cases, users are urged to install a third-party app supposedly required for 5G operation, which is in fact spyware. 

As a result, scammers gain access to one-time passwords to banking apps and digital wallets. Since, the notifications are redirected to the scammer’s phone, victims do not see alerts about unauthorized withdrawals or loans being taking out, giving scammers time to transfer the funds. Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office and mobile operators regularly issue warnings to the public. They emphasize that the transition to 5G in Armenia happens automatically, if a smartphone, SIM card, and mobile plan support the new technology, no additional manual settings or phone instructions are required. 

Legal trap

The deceptive nature of the scheme lies in the fact that device owners themselves enter the USSD commands or install the applications. Legally, this makes the process of disputing transactions extremely difficult, since from the bank’s security systems’ point of view, access was granted by the client himself.

IDBank advises:

Technological progress does not require you to perform complex manual actions under pressure. To protect your finances, follow these rules:

• 5G does not require any manual configuration on your phone. The transition to higher data transfer speeds happens automatically and does not require entering special commands or downloading additional applications. If your device has not switched to the new standard, contact your mobile operator.
• Ignore USSD instructions. Never enter codes dictated by unknown individuals, regardless of who they claim to represent.
• Do not download apps via links. All official mobile operators’ applications are available only on Google Play and App Store. Any files sent in messengers are a direct treat.
• Check the information personally. If you received a call about “network settings”, hang up and call the support service of your operator on the official number.
• Follow the signal. If your phone suddenly stopped receiving incoming calls and SMS, immediately contact the communication operator and the bank from another device - possibly, there is already an active forwarding on your number.

Remember: 5G is not going anywhere. But access to the phone and money can be lost in one minute. Financial security begins with the simple habit of checking and not rushing.

THE BANK IS SUPERVISED BY THE CBA