Table of Contents
Online Fraud – The Scams You Need to Know
Expats are popular targets – new to the island, unfamiliar with local customs, under time pressure. Read this before your first online transaction in Cyprus.
The Five Most Common Scams
1. Bazaraki prepayment fraud (never pay before seeing the item). 2. Fake landlords (no deposit without viewing). 3. Bank phishing emails (never click links). 4. Romance scams. 5. Crypto/investment fraud (if too good to be true, it isn't). Only invest with CySEC-licensed companies.
The section on "Online Fraud – The Scams You Need to Know" was the most valuable for us. We couldn't find this information anywhere else before our move. It saved us a lot of time and hassle.
– Couple from Bremen, in Limassol since 2023
How to Protect Yourself
Use VPN in public WiFi. Enable 2FA on all accounts. Strong unique passwords (password manager). Never send bank details by email. Bazaraki: cash on pickup only. Keep software updated.
If Fraud Happens
Police Cybercrime: +357 22 808 200. Report Bazaraki listing. Contact bank immediately (possible transaction reversal within hours). Document everything (screenshots, chats, account numbers).
Cybersecurity and Online Fraud in Cyprus
Topics: Online Fraud – The Scams You Need to Know, The Five Most Common Scams, How to Protect Yourself
CMC Practical Tip
Read this before your first online transaction in Cyprus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Police Cybercrime: +357 22 808 200. Bazaraki report button. Bank immediately for possible reversal.
Yes – major banks use 2FA, SMS-TAN, biometric login. Use official apps only, never email links.
Contact police immediately. Report listing. Contact bank for possible reversal. Document everything.
Only CySEC-licensed platforms. Check license at cysec.gov.cy. Since 2026: 8% flat tax on crypto gains.
How CMC Supports You
At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.
As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.