online scam — online scam — A 78-year-old man in Paphos has reported losing more than €64,000 in an online fraud case, police said on Wednesday. This alarming incident underscores the dangers of online interactions, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
According to a complaint filed with the Paphos CID’s financial crime investigation office, the scam began in August when the pensioner received a friend request from an unknown individual on a social media platform. Trusting the nature of social media, he accepted the request, which opened the door to a series of deceptive messages.
Over the course of the following weeks, the unknown individual employed various pretexts to persuade the man to transfer money. The conversation seemed harmless at first, but it escalated into a sophisticated scheme, ultimately leading the pensioner to send over €64,000 across 16 bank transfers to accounts located in multiple countries.
In September, the extent of the financial loss became clear as the man realised he had been the target of a well-orchestrated scam. The police have since issued a renewed warning to the public, emphasising the importance of caution when engaging with strangers online. They advise individuals to avoid sending money or sharing personal information with anyone whose identity cannot be verified.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online communication, particularly for those who may be more susceptible to manipulation. As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, the need for vigilance remains crucial.
