Cyber and phone scams surge in Cyprus targeting personal data

Cypriot authorities have reported a surge in cyber scams involving fake promotional offers and phishing attempts. Scammers are impersonating well-known brands, such as Ikea, by sending emails or social media ads offering vouchers of 500 euros in exchange for personal information or survey participation. These phishing links often install malware that grants unauthorized access to user systems and passwords. Separately, the Bank of Cyprus has issued a warning regarding phone scams where attackers use number spoofing to display the official contact number 22128000. These callers pose as bank staff to extract login credentials, passwords, and confirmation codes from victims. The police cybercrime unit and financial institutions advise the public to never share sensitive data over the phone. Affected individuals are urged to change passwords, update antivirus software, block bank cards immediately, and report incidents to the police.