Cyprus Banking Fraud: Scammers Steal Over €70,000 from Bank Accounts

The Cyprus Police has issued a warning to the public after scammers stole more than €70,000 from bank accounts by duping victims into revealing their access details to e-banking portals. The fraudsters sent text messages to their victims, requesting them to confirm access details and account information.

How the Scam Works

• Scammers send text messages to victims, asking them to confirm sensitive information such as:
  • Usernames
  • Passwords
  • One-time passwords (OTPs)
  • Credit card numbers
  • Verification codes
• Victims are directed to fake websites that resemble those of legitimate banks.
• The scammers gain access to the bank accounts via e-banking and transfer large sums of money to foreign banks.

Police Warning

The Cyprus Police warns that the fraudsters are using electronic links to direct victims to these fake websites, which look identical to those of real banks. The public is urged to be cautious and not respond to suspicious messages or emails asking for personal or financial information.

What to Do

• Verify the authenticity of any requests for information by contacting the bank directly.
• Never share personal or financial information with scammers.
• Report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

Bank Warning

The Bank of Cyprus has issued a warning to its clients, urging them not to share any personal or financial information with scammers. The bank assures that its personnel will never request sensitive information via email, SMS, phone calls, pop-ups, or links.

Prevention is Key

• Take steps to protect your accounts and prevent becoming victims of this type of fraud.
• Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

By being aware of these scams and taking the necessary precautions, you can help prevent falling prey to these fraudulent activities. Remember: it’s always better to be safe than sorry!