Newsroom
A sophisticated phone scam that netted hundreds of euros from unsuspecting victims in Athens is a reminder that anyone, anywhere, could fall prey to cyber trickery, Cyprus included. Police say two men used equipment hidden in their car to intercept mobile phone signals and steal banking information before sending fake text messages to trick victims into giving up their details.
The suspects, two Chinese nationals aged 29 and 30, reportedly rigged their car with antennas and a portable router, allowing them to target phones running older 2G networks. The method, known as an SMS Blaster Attack, lets attackers spoof legitimate banks or organizations, sending messages with links that steal passwords and account numbers.
Authorities said the pair used the stolen information to make purchases totaling hundreds of euros. In one case, they accessed a Georgian man’s account and spent 700 euros at a Marousi store. In another, they made purchases exceeding 850 euros at a Spata shopping center.
Police first caught wind of the men last April, when a store employee reported suspicious activity. Officers initially arrested the two for using fake IDs, but a deeper investigation revealed the elaborate scam setup inside their vehicle.
Cybersecurity experts say the technique is technically outdated but still effective because many phones continue to rely on 2G for compatibility. “The lesson is simple: think before you click,” they said. No bank or government agency will ever ask for your personal codes through email or text.
Authorities warned that the full scope of the scam is likely larger, with many victims possibly unaware their accounts were compromised. Officials urge anyone receiving suspicious messages to report them immediately and verify before taking any action.
