FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Police have launched an investigation into an internet fraud case after a complaint from the owner of a local construction company.
According to the complaint, the company agreed via email to pay an invoice amounting to €11,900 after corresponding with an associate.
However, the owner later received an email, seemingly from the same associate, providing new bank account details for the payment. The amount was transferred as instructed, but the complainant later discovered through further communication that the payment did not reach the intended account, revealing it to be a case of fraud.
The Limassol Financial Crime Investigation Office is handling the case.
In light of this incident, police have urged the public, especially businesses, to exercise caution with online transactions.
They advise verifying payment requests by directly contacting associates or sellers using previously established phone numbers or those documented in prior transactions. Additionally, business owners are encouraged to educate staff about this form of fraud and implement strict verification protocols for payment requests.