INVESTMENT SCAM

 

INVESTMENT SCAM

The Cybercrime Sub-Directorate informs the public that complaints have been received regarding telephone scams related to alleged online investments.

According to reports, the perpetrators communicate with citizens by telephone, using numbers of Cypriot telecommunication providers and speaking in Greek, presenting false identity information.

The perpetrators inform citizens that alleged investment in an online platform has yielded significant profits and urge citizens to pay an amount of money, allegedly for "transportation", "clearing" or "cashing" costs of their profits.

In other cases, instead of cash payment, they ask citizens to disclose their personal information, identity details and/or bank accounts to allegedly send them the "earnings". The goal of the perpetrators is to access bank accounts and to withdraw money illegally.

The Cybercrime Subdivision recommends to the citizens:

1. Don't deposit money

No official organization or investment company requests in advance an amount of money to dispense "profit".

2. Do not provide personal or bank information

Neither over the phone, nor through email, nor through links that are sent to you.

3. Do not allow remote access to a computer or mobile phone

Offenders often try to install remote control software in order to access your accounts.

4. Always check the authenticity of any investment platform

Many of these platforms are counterfeit, without authorization.

5. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately

Do not continue the dialogue.

6. Report the case to the Police immediately

Contact the Cybercrime Sub-Direction or the nearest Police Station.