From Cyprus Police:
Taking advantage of the covid-19 covid-19 pandemic period and the need for supplies of medical equipment and other protective goods, such as masks and uniforms, supervisors attempt to deceive the public and especially persons and companies working in the field of import and marketing of such products.
Offenders approach organizations and health professionals, pretending to trade medical equipment. To be persuasive, they use company names and websites that resemble brands of existing and legal pharmaceutical companies, while also usurping the logos of official websites.
The perpetrators then demand that they be paid electronically, much of the value of the products they claim to trade and after securing the money, the corresponding orders are never delivered.
According to europol's information to the police agencies of the Member States of the European Union, it has so far been established that more than 20 natural persons and companies, in three countries of Europe, have been deceived, so that the perpetrators of this form of fraud have been awarded a sum of more than EUR 110 thousand.
More generally, there have been instances of fraud, such as the marketing of falsified or even unauthorised quality pharmaceutical products, such as medicines, antiseptics and protection masks, with perpetrators using the internet to cheat and extract money.
The Police calls on the general public and health professionals to be particularly vigilant and, in particular, to be wary of large offers received through e-mails or online advertisements.
It is recommended that any product purchases are made from trusted sources and well-known online stores or well-known brands and avoid sending money to unknown persons or unknown organizations. It is also recommended that buyers contact the suppliers of the goods by telephone to verify their status and as the payment for the purchase of goods is made after their receipt and not in advance.
