78-year-old man lost over €64,000 in an online scam

A 78-year-old man reported to the Financial Crime Investigation Bureau at the Paphos Police Investigation Department that he had been defrauded online. According to his statement, the incident occurred following an online acquaintance in August, and the transfers were made in September.

According to the man, he accepted a friend request from an unknown user on a social network and then corresponded with him via text messages. The interlocutor, according to the victim, persuaded him under various pretexts to transfer money to bank accounts.

The man transferred over €64,000 via bank transfers. The funds were sent to 16 bank accounts in different countries, the investigation specified.

The Financial Crime Investigation Bureau at the Paphos Police Investigation Department continues to investigate the circumstances of the case. The agency urges citizens to exercise caution when engaging in online acquaintances and communicating with strangers.

The police recommend not sending money or disclosing personal information to individuals or accounts that cannot be verified.