29 Jan
2022
According to Cyber Alert, a new type of telephone scam is currently ongoing in Greece. This morning, I received an automated recorded call from an Athens phone number (210 491 7041). The message claimed that a report had been made to the Cyber Crime Organization, stating that my identity had been stolen and used for illegal money laundering activities that started in Athens and extended beyond borders. It even had a Case ID (protocol number) and directed me to call an Athens phone number immediately.
In the past, I had a legitimate report from Cyber Alert that my email information had been stolen, and in my communication with them, the report turned out to be true. I took preventive measures and changed all my passwords, especially for e-banking.
For this reason, I called the number, as it was from Athens, to see what was happening. There was a call center, and they started describing to me in English what had occurred. They claimed to have detected the opening of 17 bank accounts using my identity and the illegal transfer of money, which had my full name associated with it.
They asked for the last 3 digits of my identity card and then redirected me to another phone number (again, an Athens number), where someone claimed to be from a global organization combating electronic crime. They started asking me how many accounts I had and with which bank. I refused to provide any information unless they sent an official document or if the Greek police requested it. They insisted that they wouldn't request account numbers, card details, or bank information. That's when I hung up and blocked them.
Later, I contacted 11188 (Electronic Crime Prosecution / Cyber Alert) and reported the incident. They informed me that it's an organized group operating in this manner, and they had already received 15 calls before mine, all from this morning. They explained that even in cases of identity theft or illegal activity, the responsible authorities in each country usually report first to Greek authorities, and these calls typically occur after Greek authorities are informed. In extreme cases, they may involve prosecutors, etc.
So, be extremely cautious if you receive suspicious phone calls or messages. Simply report them to 11188 and do not engage further. Do not respond to such calls, and, of course, do not disclose any personal information.