Fraudsters impersonate Bank of Cyprus representatives and set traps via email, SMS, and phone calls – How to protect yourself
The Bank of Cyprus is warning of a surge in online scams aimed at deceiving its customers through misleading messages and phone calls. The perpetrators pose as representatives of the Bank or other organisations, using malicious links to extract personal and banking information. The Bank is urging the public to stay alert and provides key self-protection tips.
Below is the informational message sent by the Bank of Cyprus to its customers:
“We are observing an increase in online scams and urge you to be especially cautious. Scammers use various convincing scenarios to deceive you.
Claiming to represent the Bank of Cyprus or other organisations, they send Emails, SMS, or messages via apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, etc., with links that lead to fake but identical versions of the 1bank website or others, where you may be prompted to enter your 1bank login credentials, One-Time Passwords (OTPs), Verification Codes (VCs), card details, and more.
They may also call you and try to pressure you to ‘act immediately’—something no legitimate organisation would ever do!”
To stay safe, follow these practices:
- Use ONLY the official websites and communication channels of the Bank of Cyprus and other organisations.
- NEVER click on any link contained in Emails, SMS, app messages, or social media posts. Forward such messages and links to: [email protected].
- Before taking any action, contact the Bank to verify the legitimacy of any message or request at: 800 00 800 or +357 22128000 if calling from abroad.
- NEVER, under any circumstance, disclose or provide your 1bank login credentials, OTPs, VCs, card details, PIN, or any other personal information.
- ALWAYS read the full content of SMS messages and mobile app notifications received from the Bank carefully BEFORE approving anything.
- NEVER grant remote access to your devices to anyone for any reason.
Also read: Eurostat: Cypriots have less online shopping problems in the EU
Source: Economy Today
