YEREVAN, Armenia, September 28, 2025 – A 53-year-old Yerevan resident, Aghavni G., reported being defrauded of $30,000 in a sophisticated currency exchange scam. The incident, which took place on September 23, 2025, involved an advertisement found on Facebook and a subsequent meeting at a local supermarket.
The Deceptive Online Advertisement and WhatsApp Communication
According to information from SHAMSHYAN.com, the victim, Aghavni G., noticed an advertisement for a profitable currency exchange service on the “Rate Pro” Facebook page. Intrigued by the offer, she contacted a person named Davit via WhatsApp, who presented himself as a representative of the service.
The two parties arranged to meet at the “Yerevan City” supermarket located at Rubinyants Street 15/5 to exchange 30,000 US dollars for Armenian drams. This type of online solicitation, promising favorable exchange rates, has become a common tactic used by fraudsters to lure unsuspecting individuals.
The Exchange and the Disappearance of the Funds
At approximately 7:10 PM on September 23, Aghavni G. arrived at the designated location. Following Davit’s instructions, she handed over the $30,000 to the driver of a car with “X” license plates. This driver, in turn, passed the money to another individual. Subsequently, Davit allegedly absconded with the $30,000 through this deceptive scheme.
The swift transfer of funds between multiple individuals is a hallmark of such scams, designed to complicate tracking and recovery efforts by law enforcement. The victim realized she had been defrauded shortly after the exchange, prompting her to report the incident to the police.
Police Investigation Underway
Upon receiving the report, the Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia launched an immediate investigation. Through their efforts, it was determined that the driver of the “X” license plate vehicle was Harutyun S., a 50-year-old resident of the Armavir region.
Law enforcement officials are currently undertaking measures to identify the other individuals involved in the fraudulent act, locate them, and recover the stolen money. The investigation aims to bring the perpetrators to justice and return the defrauded funds to Aghavni G.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The documentation related to the case has been transferred to the Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district investigative department of the Yerevan City Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia. This indicates that criminal proceedings have been initiated, and a thorough legal process will follow.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unofficial currency exchange services, particularly those advertised on social media platforms. Authorities frequently warn citizens against engaging in such transactions outside of licensed financial institutions, as they often lead to fraud and financial losses.
The case highlights the need for increased public awareness regarding online scams and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of financial services before engaging in any transactions. The police continue to urge citizens to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to prevent further instances of fraud.
