Cyprus authorities are warning of a surge in online fraud after 15 people reported being targeted by a scam linked to a popular hotel booking platform.
The Cyprus Consumers Association said the complaints were all filed within the last four days. Scammers are reportedly sending messages that appear to come from the platform, using its official logo, email address, and specific customer booking details.
Virginia Christou, the association’s legal officer, said the fraudulent messages typically ask customers to pay approximately €100 to “confirm” their reservation.
“In several cases, consumers followed the procedure,” Christou said. This resulted in victims being charged a significant portion of their total stay costs, with the money sent to scammers rather than the booking site.
The association urged the public to be vigilant, noting that major booking platforms do not request additional payments via email or make sudden changes to their payment procedures.
The warning comes as the association begins to receive the first complaints regarding summer holiday packages. These reports involve trips that were either cancelled entirely or only partially fulfilled.
Christou said the association is advising affected travellers to claim compensation where violations are identified. She highlighted that consumers have a legal right to seek refunds if parts of their trip, such as scheduled excursions, were not provided despite the full package being paid for.