Nicosia, Cyprus. A woman in Nicosia reported losing €24,800 after she said she was targeted in an online fraud and extortion case, police said on Wednesday. The incident was reported on Tuesday and is under investigation by the financial crime unit of the Nicosia CID.
Phone call on May 19
According to police, the complainant said she received a phone call on May 19 from people claiming that her online payment platform account and bank account had been hacked.
The callers reportedly told her they needed her online banking passwords to prevent unauthorised access to her accounts. After she provided the information, the suspects gained access to her bank account and transferred €24,800.
Police warning
Authorities warned the public not to disclose personal information, banking details or passwords to anyone by phone or online.
Police also urged people to verify suspicious calls or messages through official communication channels before taking any action.
They said banks and online platforms do not ask customers to provide passwords or security details by telephone.