Scammers are impersonating the Cypriot police and calling from local numbers.

Cypriot police are warning of a new wave of phone scams in Cyprus. Criminals are calling from numbers that appear to be Cypriot landlines, speaking Greek, and posing as officers from the cybercrime unit.

Callers claim that the recipient's details or bank account have been used in an online scam. Under the guise of conducting an investigation, they then attempt to obtain personal and banking information. Police emphasize that they do not contact residents in this manner and do not request access to funds over the phone.

The number looks Cypriot

The calls appear to be coming from Cypriot landlines. However, this doesn't mean the scammers are actually located on the island.

Investigators are investigating the use of virtual telephone numbers, or techniques that allow the recipient to change the number displayed on their screen. This allows criminals to create the impression that the call is from a local institution or a person in Cyprus.

The local number and the conversation conducted in Greek are intended to inspire trust and encourage the recipient to follow instructions.

How does an attempted fraud occur?

A person posing as an officer informs that the recipient of the call is a victim of cybercrime or that their data has been used in a suspicious operation.

He then argues that additional information is needed to clarify the matter. Criminals may ask about:

• personal data,
• bank name and account information,
• payment card numbers,
• online banking login details,
• codes received via SMS,
• confirmation of the operation in the banking application.

The real purpose of the call is to gain access to an account and steal money. Just because the caller knows the recipient's name or other basic information doesn't confirm their identity.

What to do after such a call?

You should end any suspicious conversation without engaging in further discussion. Do not follow the interlocutor's instructions, install any applications they suggest, or open any links they send.

If the person on the other end claims to represent the police, a bank, or another institution, you should find their official number yourself and contact them directly. You should not return calls to the number provided in a suspicious call.

Those who have already provided their bank details should notify their bank immediately. A quick response may allow them to block the card, account access, or suspicious transaction. <div style=”font-family:Manrope,Arial,sans-serif;margin:26px 0;padding:16px 18px;background:#F8FAFC;border-left:5px solid #F5B400;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;color:#0B2A6F;line-height:1.65;”> <strong>Important numbers in Cyprus</strong><br> Write down the contact details of the police, ambulance, and other services. We have prepared an up-to-date list of emergency and help numbers:<br> <a href=”https://cyprnews.pl/numery-alarmowe-na-cyprze/” style=”color:#0B2A6F;font-weight:800;text-decoration:underline;”>https://cyprnews.pl/numery-alarmowe-na-cyprze/</a> </div>

It is worth warning your loved ones

The new method should be made known especially to older family members and people who may not be familiar with similar methods of data theft.

Fraudsters exploit fear of losing money, time pressure, and the belief that a police officer is contacting them. The safest response is to end the call and investigate the situation yourself at your bank or with the police.

Sources: Philenews, SigmaLive, Reporter.