From Cyprus Police:
Investment-related frauds may include profitable, investment opportunities, such as stocks, bonds, cryprobes, precious stones, offshore real estate investments, and alternative energy sources.
What are the indications?
- You are repeatedly receiving unannounced / unexpected telephone calls.
- They promise quick returns and assure you that the investments are secure.
- The offer is available for a limited time.
- The offer is personal and you are asked not to share it with others.
What can you do;
- In any case, get impartial financial advice before you give money or make an investment.
- Discard phone calls related to investment opportunities.
- Be cautious with offers that promise secure investment, guaranteed returns and high profits.
- Beware of future fraud cases. If you have already invested in a fraudulent product, it is highly likely that fraudsters will target you again or sell your personal information to other criminals.
- Contact the Police if you suspect a fraud case
... Or internet shopping scams Online
offers are often profitable markets, but special attention needs to be paid to fraud cases.
What can you do; - Use home-based retail websites wherever possible - you are more likely to solve any problems that may arise. -
Do your research - check the reviews before making a purchase.
- Use credit cards - you are more likely to be refunded in case of fraud.
- Pay only through a secure payment service - Are you requesting a transfer of money? Think twice!
- Pay only if you are connected to the internet via secure connections - avoid using free or open WiFi public networks.
- Pay only through a secure device - Maintain your operating system and security software up to date.
- Beware of ads that offer outrageous offers or miraculous products - If it sounds too good to be true, then it's probably fake!
- popup window that claims to have won a prize? Think about it again. You may have earned malware.
- If you do not receive your product, please contact the merchant / seller. If you do not receive a response, contact your co-operation bank.
- The offer is personal and you are asked not to share it with others.
What can you do;
- In any case, get impartial financial advice before you give money or make an investment.
- Discard phone calls related to investment opportunities.
- Be cautious with offers that promise secure investment, guaranteed returns and high profits.
- Beware of future fraud cases. If you have already invested in a fraudulent product, it is highly likely that fraudsters will target you again or sell your personal information to other criminals.
- Contact the Police if you suspect a fraud case
... Or internet shopping scams Online
offers are often profitable markets, but special attention needs to be paid to fraud cases.
What can you do; - Use home-based retail websites wherever possible - you are more likely to solve any problems that may arise. -
Do your research - check the reviews before making a purchase.
- Use credit cards - you are more likely to be refunded in case of fraud.
- Pay only through a secure payment service - Are you requesting a transfer of money? Think twice!
- Pay only if you are connected to the internet via secure connections - avoid using free or open WiFi public networks.
- Pay only through a secure device - Maintain your operating system and security software up to date.
- Beware of ads that offer outrageous offers or miraculous products - If it sounds too good to be true, then it's probably fake!
- popup window that claims to have won a prize? Think about it again. You may have earned malware.
- If you do not receive your product, please contact the merchant / seller. If you do not receive a response, contact your co-operation bank.
Always report any suspected fraud attempt at the Police, even if you are not a victim of it.
More information on secure online purchases can be found at the following link: https://www.europol.europa.eu/activities-services/public-awareness-and-prevention-guides/e-commerce-tips-and-advice- to-avoid-becoming-fraud-victim
