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In a disturbing turn of events, a 73-year-old resident of Nicosia has fallen prey to a sophisticated internet fraud scheme, resulting in a substantial loss of over €480,000 in a cryptocurrency scam. The victim, whose identity remains confidential, filed a detailed complaint with local law enforcement, triggering a thorough investigation by the Cybercrime Branch.
The elaborate deception unfolded between October 24, 2023, and February 6, 2024, when the unsuspecting senior citizen engaged in online interactions with unknown individuals. The fraudsters skillfully convinced him of the authenticity of various cryptocurrency exchange websites, exploiting the victim's trust. As part of their manipulative tactics, the perpetrators guided the complainant to create an account on what appeared to be a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange platform.
Tragically, the victim followed the fraudsters' instructions and transferred a staggering sum of approximately €480,500 from his bank account. This amount was then converted into cryptocurrency and deposited into an electronic wallet associated with a fake website masquerading as a genuine cryptocurrency exchange. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in online transactions, prompting authorities to issue a cautionary note to the public, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance in navigating the virtual landscape. As the investigation unfolds, cybersecurity experts are collaborating to uncover the tactics employed by the fraudsters and enhance awareness about evolving online threats.
[Source: 24News]
