Cyprus Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
A guide to scams targeting tourists and residents in Cyprus, including online fraud and investment schemes.
Emergency number: 112 (emergency), 199 (police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Cyprus is a popular Mediterranean destination and EU financial services hub. Its large expatriate and tourism community makes it a target for both classic tourist scams and sophisticated online fraud. The Cyprus Police Cybercrime Unit actively investigates digital fraud and accepts reports through an online platform at cybercrime.police.gov.cy. In 2026 the Cyprus Police warned of a surge in email fraud targeting residents and businesses.
Common scams
- Email fraud impersonating banks, tax authorities and utility companies
- Online investment and crypto fraud using Cyprus regulatory branding as cover
- Romance scams targeting expatriates through dating apps
- Fake rental listings in tourist areas collecting deposits then disappearing
Tourist-specific scams
- Overpriced or unlicensed taxi and transfer services from airports
- Fake holiday rental listings in Paphos, Ayia Napa and Limassol
- Timeshare and holiday club pressure sales on the seafront
- Unofficial tour guides demanding inflated fees at archaeological sites
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank
- Parcel delivery smishing claiming customs fees
- Fake e-commerce stores targeting Cypriot consumers
Job scams
- Fake hospitality and domestic worker recruitment requiring advance fees
- Task scams on messaging apps offering easy online income
Romance scams
- Extended online relationships ending in money transfer requests
- Pig-butchering investment scams launched via social media or dating apps
Investment scams
- Unregulated Forex and crypto platforms falsely claiming CySEC registration
- Clone firm fraud impersonating CySEC-regulated brokers
How to report a scam here
- Report cybercrime online at cybercrime.police.gov.cy or call the Cybercrime Unit on +357 22808200
- Call 112 or 199 for police in urgent situations
- Contact your bank immediately to dispute any unauthorised transactions
- Report investment fraud to the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) at cysec.gov.cy
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts. Cyprus banks are EU-regulated and must process fraud disputes under PSD2 rules. File a parallel report with the Cyprus Police Cybercrime Unit.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
How do I report investment fraud in Cyprus?
Report to the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) at cysec.gov.cy if the fraud involves a financial product or broker. Also file a report with the Cyprus Police Cybercrime Unit at cybercrime.police.gov.cy. Keep all communications and transaction records as evidence.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance