Scammers stole nearly 25,000 euros through a fake call about an account “hack”

The Cyprus Police are investigating a new case of internet fraud and extortion that left a woman 24,800 euros poorer. A complaint in the case was filed with the Nicosia Economic Crime Unit.

According to the investigation, on May 19 the suspects contacted the victim by phone and said that her account on an online payment platform, as well as her bank account, had allegedly been compromised. Under the pretext of protecting her funds, the scammers convinced the woman to provide her internet banking passwords.

Trusting the callers, the woman handed over the necessary details. After that, 24,800 euros were stolen from her bank account.

The police stressed that such fraud schemes are becoming increasingly common. Law enforcement officers urged citizens to exercise particular caution and never share passwords, banking details or access codes for online services with third parties.

Residents are also advised to always verify incoming calls and messages through the official communication channels of banks and organizations on whose behalf unknown callers claim to be acting.