scam calls — The rise in scam calls has prompted a warning from the Cyprus cybercrime unit, urging the public to remain vigilant. Recent reports have indicated an increase in fraudulent phone calls and messages impersonating automated payment service operators, with one resident sharing a concerning experience.
On Friday, a local individual reported receiving a dubious phone call from a number claiming to be associated with a legitimate payment service. The caller attempted to deceive the resident by stating that approximately €200 would be deducted from their account. This alarming incident led to a report being filed with the criminal investigation department.
The cybercrime unit has noted a pattern in these complaints, indicating that several similar incidents have been reported in recent months. In response to these ongoing fraud attempts, the unit regularly issues public alerts to raise awareness about the tactics used by scammers.
Authorities have highlighted that these scam messages and calls are strategically designed to trick unsuspecting individuals into clicking on malicious links or divulging personal and financial information. The cybercrime unit emphasised that further attempts to defraud the public are likely, making it crucial for individuals to be cautious and verify any unexpected contacts that claim to involve financial accounts.
To combat these threats, officials have provided several recommendations for online safety. These include enabling two-factor authentication on all online accounts to add an extra layer of security. Users are also advised to regularly check devices connected to their profiles and review their personal contact details stored on social media platforms.
Furthermore, the cybercrime unit stressed the importance of using strong, unique passwords for each online account and changing them regularly. These proactive measures can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to such scams.
In cases where suspicious messages, emails, or links are received, the public is encouraged to forward these communications to the authorities for investigation and potential blocking measures. Police continue their efforts to identify and disable malicious links associated with these scams, aiming to protect citizens from financial loss.
