Recent rise in online fraud cases reported across Cyprus

Authorities in Cyprus are investigating multiple instances of digital fraud reported on August 11, 2026. In Paphos, a 26-year-old woman was defrauded of over 4,800 euros after receiving a phishing SMS masquerading as the 'GOVCY' platform, which claimed she had an outstanding fine. The victim followed a malicious link and provided her bank card details, allowing perpetrators to withdraw the funds. Police have publicly warned that these messages are fake and unrelated to official government channels.

Separately, in Nicosia, a 32-year-old woman reported losing more than 2,200 euros in a vacation rental scam. After booking accommodation online on August 4, she was contacted by an individual posing as the landlord who convinced her to cancel her initial booking and rebook through a different platform. On August 11, the victim transferred the money to a provided account but received no booking confirmation. The Economic Crime Investigation Unit of the Nicosia CID is currently handling this case.

The police and financial institutions have urged the public to remain vigilant against phishing, vishing, and social engineering attacks. Officials advise against opening suspicious links, sharing banking credentials, or installing remote access software. Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing as authorities work to trace the stolen funds.