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Police Investigating New Online Fraud Case - €254,679 Stolen

Published March 25, 2026, 09:21
Police Investigating New Online Fraud Case - €254,679 Stolen

Police are investigating a new case of online fraud where a 79-year-old resident of Larnaca was deceived by false investment advertisements in stocks and cryptocurrencies. Between January and March 2026, the complainant sent a total of €254,679 in fifteen separate transactions to bank accounts abroad, following instructions from fraudsters posing as company representatives. When he tried to withdraw his profits, he was asked to pay additional money for liquidation costs, thus revealing the fraud. The case is being investigated by the Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Larnaca Police. Following this incident, the Police remind citizens interested in online investments to be particularly careful and not to be misled by promises of guaranteed returns, especially in cryptocurrencies. Citizens are urged to be suspicious of advertisements that create a sense of urgency and to check the licensing of investment companies by the competent regulatory authorities, such as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, it is recommended to avoid platforms without complete contact details and to check the "blacklists" of companies that have been reported for fraud. Finally, the Police warn against installing remote access programs on your computer that investment "advisors" ask you to install, as these may be used to steal personal data and money.