Fake fines, tax refunds and government payments
A typical message
Cyprus Police: You have an unpaid traffic fine of €85 (camera violation). Pay today to avoid court action: [link]
How it works
The message pretends to come from the Cyprus Police, the Tax Department, Social Insurance or gov.cy. Either it threatens you, with an unpaid fine and court, or it tempts you, with a refund or an allowance you're "entitled to".
Both lead to a fake government page that asks for your card details, to pay the fine or to "receive" the refund, and then for your bank's code. Some also ask for your ID number and other personal details, which are used for more scams.
How to spot it
- The link doesn't end in .gov.cy. Every real Cyprus government website does; fakes use addresses like "gov-cy-pay.com" or "cy-police-fines.com".
- A threat (court, arrest, extra charges) or money you weren't expecting.
- A short deadline: "today", "within 48 hours".
- Card details to receive money. A refund never needs them.
What to do
- Don't use the link. Check fines, taxes and benefits yourself on gov.cy, typed by you.
- Paste the message into ScamCheckCY: it spots fake government addresses.
- Gave card details? Call your bank now to block the card, then report it to the police on 1460.
More scams going around in Cyprus
- "Your parcel is held": the parcel fee scam
- "Your card is blocked": the fake bank message
- "I've paid, click to receive your money": the fake buyer scam
- "Hi Mum, this is my new number"
- "I sent you a code by mistake, can you send it back?"
- Easy money from your phone: the fake job scam
- The landlord who's abroad: the fake rental scam