Online fraud cases are becoming one of the fastest-growing forms of crime, with financial losses exceeding €10.3 million in 2025, according to figures provided by the Cyprus Police to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
The Electronic Crime Subdivision said a total of 921 online fraud cases were reported to district Criminal Investigation Departments (TAE) during 2025.
The cases involved the theft of €10,352,540, $4,185,955 and £5,272, highlighting the significant financial impact of digital scams.
Criminal methods becoming more sophisticated
Police said online fraud is among the fastest-growing forms of crime worldwide and that Cyprus is no exception.
According to authorities, criminals exploit technological developments, the widespread use of the internet and, above all, citizens’ trust in order to obtain money or personal information.
The cases reported are investigated either by the Electronic Crime Subdivision or by district TAEs, depending on the nature of each incident.
Common types of scams
The most frequent forms of online fraud include:
- Fake emails and SMS messages.
- Telephone scams.
- Fake investment platforms.
- Invoice payment scams involving purchases of products or services.
- Social media scams.
- Theft of bank account and payment card details.
Police noted that online fraud cases are often linked to organised criminal networks operating internationally, with perpetrators frequently located outside Cyprus.
International cooperation needed
The investigation of such cases almost always requires international cooperation, which authorities describe as essential in tackling this form of organised and cross-border crime.
The Cyprus Police said it cooperates with authorities in other countries and international organisations, adding that this cooperation has already produced positive results, including the identification and arrest of suspects involved in online fraud cases.
Citizens urged to stay alert
Police stressed that prevention and public awareness remain the most effective forms of protection.
Citizens are advised to be particularly careful when receiving emails, SMS messages or phone calls requesting personal details, passwords or banking information.
Authorities reminded the public that banks, government services and other organisations never request such information through these communication channels.
Police also advise citizens to:
- Avoid opening links or attachments from suspicious messages.
- Verify the identity of senders before taking action.
- Use strong and different passwords for each account.
- Enable two-factor authentication where available.
- Immediately contact their bank and the Police if they suspect they have been targeted.
Police concluded that tackling online fraud requires collective effort, with timely reporting and public cooperation playing a key role in limiting scams and improving digital security.
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