Romance scam — Αστυνομία Κύπρου · Cyprus

Direct answer

If a person you have never met in real life asks for money — for a ticket, a customs fee, a medical bill, an investment — it is a scam, without exception. Stop sending, keep the conversation as evidence, and report it to Αστυνομία Κύπρου — αστυνομικός σταθμός / 112 (112); romance fraud is organised crime and every report helps. Your bank — card and payment line offers free, confidential support — the shame keeps people silent, and that is what the scammers count on. Call Χρηματοοικονομικός Επίτροπος (22 848900) the same day to recall what can still be recalled.

Call firstΑστυνομία Κύπρου — αστυνομικός σταθμός / 112

Report toYour bank — card and payment line

If that failsΧρηματοοικονομικός Επίτροπος

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been in contact with [name] on [platform]. They asked me for money for [reason] and I sent [amount] to [account / service]. I now believe this is fraud and want to report it. I have the messages and the payment details."

🪜 Step by step

Do not send more, do not confrontConfrontation makes them switch to threats or a "friend" who will help you recover. Simply stop.
Save the evidenceProfile, photos, chat export, payment receipts, the accounts you paid to. Reverse-image-search the photos — they are usually stolen.
Bank firstAsk for a recall on transfers and a dispute on card payments. Gift cards and crypto are usually gone; say so anyway, the bank logs the recipient.
Report to Αστυνομία Κύπρου — αστυνομικός σταθμός / 112Online where possible. Your report connects to hundreds of others using the same photos and accounts.
Talk to Your bank — card and payment lineFree, confidential, no judgement. This happens to careful, intelligent people every day.

📇 All contacts

Αστυνομία Κύπρου — αστυνομικός σταθμός / 112Report at any police stationBurglary, theft, threats📞 112 🔗 www.police.gov.cy

Your bank — card and payment lineRecall a transfer, chargeback, block a card, freeze the accountImmediately, 24/7 — the number is on the back of your card

Χρηματοοικονομικός ΕπίτροποςComplaints against banks and insurersAfter a written complaint without a solution📞 22 848900 🔗 www.financialombudsman.gov.cy

Υπηρεσία Προστασίας Καταναλωτή — 1429Complaint, advice, intervention with the traderWhen the shop refuses📞 1429 🔗 www.consumer.gov.cy

❓ Frequently asked

Can I get the money back?

Sometimes a transfer can be recalled within a day; card payments can be disputed. Money sent as crypto, cash or gift cards is almost always lost.

They sent me money to pass on

Stop immediately and tell the bank — that is money laundering, and you would be the "mule" in the police file.

I am embarrassed to report it

The report is confidential. Not reporting is the outcome the scammers want; reporting is how the next person gets a warning.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“romance scam report Cyprus”
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“is this person a scammer”

🧭 Is this still correct?

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