DON'T BE THE VICTIM! FIND OUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ONLINE SCAMS
From Cyprus Police
Online social media fraud
Scammers target potential victims through dating websites, but they can also use social media or emails
to contact their potential victims.
What are the readings?
- Their messages are often poorly worded and vague.
- Their online profile is inconsistent with what they tell you.
- Someone you've met recently online, first and foremost, is gaining your trust. He states that he has
strong feelings for you, asking you to contact you in private.
- They then ask you for money, gifts or details of your bank account or credit card. If you don't send the
money, they may try to blackmail you. If you send them, they'll ask you for more.
What can you do?
- Be very careful with the personal information you share on social media and dating websites.
- Always take risks into account. Scammers are present on the most trusted websites.
- Don't be in a hurry to answer and ask questions.
- Search the photo and profile of the person who has approached you to see if it has been used elsewhere.
- Be especially careful about orthographic errors and grammar and syntax errors, inconsistencies in their
stories, and excuses, such as the fact that their camera is off.
- Do not share any material that could be used to blackmail you.
- If you agree to meet in person in person, let your family and friends know your destination.
- Pay huge attention to money transfer requests. Never send money, do not provide details of your
credit card, bank account, e-banking codes or copies of your personal documents.
- Avoid sending cash advances.
- Don't transfer money for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence.
Are you a victim?
- Don't feel ashamed!
- Stop all forms of communication.
- If possible, keep all communication history, such as conversation messages.
- File a complaint with the police.
Report the incident to the website where your fraudster first approached you. If you have provided
details of your bank account, contact the bank you are working with.