Two new cases of electronic traffic fine scams in Paphos

Police in Paphos are investigating two new instances of electronic fraud involving fake SMS notifications regarding unpaid traffic fines. On September 24, two separate victims reported significant financial losses after interacting with fraudulent text messages disguised as official communications from the traffic authorities. A 35-year-old Cypriot man reported losing 795 euros, while a 29-year-old foreign resident lost 1,025 euros after clicking links provided in the messages and attempting to pay the alleged fines.

These incidents follow a similar complaint filed on September 22 by a 37-year-old woman who received a text claiming she owed a 60-euro traffic penalty. The authorities emphasize that these messages, which often reference "Cytrafick" or similar names to appear legitimate, are entirely fraudulent.

Law enforcement officials have issued a renewed warning to the public, clarifying that the Police never contact citizens via text or third-party platforms to request the payment of fines. Authorities advise citizens to remain vigilant, ignore suspicious links, and never disclose sensitive banking information online. The investigation into these latest cases is ongoing as police work to identify the perpetrators behind the scams.