Police hunt woman after €800 withdrawn in Livadia bank card scam
A 46-year-old man was tricked into handing over his card outside his home in Livadia; officers in Oroklini are now looking for one of two women involved.
Officers are trying to trace a woman in connection with an incident in Livadia, Larnaca, in which a 46-year-old man lost €800 from his account, as reported by Cyprus Mail. According to the account given to police, two women came up to him near his house on Saturday and initially requested €5.
He told them he had nothing on him, and the pair then suggested a trip to a bank so he could take out cash with his card. The amount withdrawn before they left was €800, not the small sum first mentioned.
The man's 70-year-old father lodged the complaint at Oroklini police station on Monday. A photograph of one of the two women has been made public, and investigators are asking anyone who can identify her to come forward; she is sought over conspiracy to commit a felony, obtaining money by false pretences and fraud.
What it means for residents
The case is a reminder that card fraud on this island rarely starts with technology — it often begins with a friendly approach on the street. Handing your card to a stranger, even briefly, gives them everything they need.
- Never pass your card to anyone. Enter the PIN yourself and keep the card in sight until it is back in your wallet.
- Check your balance after any unusual encounter. Report unauthorised withdrawals to your bank and to police straight away.
- Look at the published photo. If you recognise the woman, call Oroklini police station rather than approaching her.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
