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How to recognize and avoid a scam

Writer's picture: Stalo AndreouStalo Andreou

Do you feel that you have been scammed? Here, you will find useful information to identify common clues to a scam so as to avoid it.

How to recognize a scam


a. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know


Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like the Social Security Services, the Tax Department etc., or make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a business you know, like a utility company, a tech company, or even a charity asking for donations.


They use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID. So the name and number you see might not be real.


b. Scammers say there is a PROBLEM or a PRIZE


They might say you are in trouble with the government. Or that you owe money. Or that someone in your family had an emergency. Or that there is a virus on your computer.


Some scammers say there is a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify some information.


Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but have to pay a fee to get it.


c. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately


Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you are on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you cannot check out their story.


They might threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s or business license, or deport you. They might say your computer is about to be corrupted.


d. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way


They often insist that you pay by sending money through a money transfer company or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back of the gift card.


Some will send you a cheque (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it and then send them money.


What You Can Do to Avoid a Scam


Confirm the call and text message number. Search for the number on Google and Social Media. If your search does not confirm that the number is real, block calls and text messages from this number.


Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you did not expect. Legitimate organizations will not call, email, or text to ask for your personal information, like your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number.


Verify emails or text messages. If you get an email or text message from a company, either one that you do business with or not, and you think it is real, it is still best not to click on any links. Instead, contact them using a website you know is trustworthy. Or look up their phone number. Don’t call a number they gave you or the number from your caller ID.


Resist the pressure to act immediately. Legitimate businesses will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.


Know how scammers tell you to pay. Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card or by using a money transfer service. And never deposit a cheque and send money back to someone.


Stop and talk to someone you trust. Before you do anything else, tell someone (a friend, a family member, a neighbor) what happened. Talking about it could help you realize it is a scam.


Report Scams to the Cybercrime Subdivision of the Cyprus Police


If you were scammed or think you saw a scam, report it to the Cybercrime Subdivision of the Cyprus Police.


Attached you will also find notes from the Cybercrime Subdivision of the Cyprus Police regarding the following (in Greek):


➤ Cybercrime and internet fraud


➤ Cryptocurrencies and fraud detection methods


Need assistance?


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