Video-call fraud: Impersonators posed as police officers and stole money from 52-year-old
A 52-year-old in Nicosia fell victim to fraudsters who called him via social media, displaying a fake police identity card. Cyprus Police have warned that they never contact citizens in this manner.
Fake police identity card in video call — 52-year-old loses money from bank account
An unknown fraudster appeared in a video call via a social media application with a fake police identity card and stole a significant sum of money from a 52-year-old resident of Nicosia. The complaint was filed today at Nicosia CID, according to Philenews.
The perpetrator presented himself as a representative of the Immigration Department, claiming to process a specific procedure. During the conversation, he persuaded the 52-year-old to reveal personal details and bank account information.
Cyprus Police clarify that they never contact citizens via video calls on social media applications. According to the announcement, the fraudsters' objective is to obtain personal data and steal money from bank accounts.
As protective measures, the Police recommend that citizens do not respond to instructions received from unknown parties during such communications and do not disclose access codes or bank details.
Those who have already disclosed their bank details to suspicious individuals are urged to immediately inform the financial institution where they hold an account, in order to prevent possible theft of funds.
Source: Philenews