Breaking news

Payment Fraud Surge In Cyprus Outstrips Eurozone Trends But Remains Under Control, Says Central Bank

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 28, 2025

Overview Of The Spike In Payment Fraud

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has disclosed a significant surge in payment fraud during the second half of 2024. Despite the notable increase, Cyprus continues to report lower fraud levels than the broader eurozone, reinforcing the island’s relative resilience in digital transaction security.

Rising Volumes And Escalating Losses

The CBC report indicates a 34 percent year-over-year increase in fraudulent transactions, totaling approximately 14,000 cases, while the financial impact surged by 26 percent to reach €3 million. In comparison, the eurozone experienced a modest 7 percent rise in volume and a 22 percent jump in monetary value, underscoring a more aggressive escalation in Cyprus.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Dominance Of Card Payments And The High Cost Of Credit Transfer Fraud

Card payments, particularly through unauthorized online channels, dominated the landscape by accounting for 94 percent of fraud incidents. Although these transactions generated €1.2 million or 39 percent of total losses, the bulk of the financial damage stemmed from credit transfer fraud. These cases, although fewer, resulted in losses amounting to €1.8 million, representing 60 percent of the overall fraudulent impact. Notably, the majority of credit transfer fraud involved authorised push payment (APP) scams, a technique that exploits payer manipulation and now comprises three-quarters of such incidents.

Increased Exposure In Cross-Border Transactions

The report further highlights heightened vulnerabilities in cross-border transactions. Fraud detection reveals that card payments processed outside Cyprus are 25 times more prone to fraud, while cross-border credit transfers present a tenfold risk. These findings spotlight the critical need for advanced security measures in international digital commerce, mirroring challenges seen across global markets.

Effective Protections And Security Measures

Strong customer authentication (SCA) emerged as a notable countermeasure in mitigating fraud, with transactions secured by SCA demonstrating a fivefold reduction in scam incidences. Meanwhile, incidents involving cheques and direct debits remained minimal, reinforcing the targeted nature of the current fraudulent activities.

Conclusive Insights

While the recent surge in payment fraud in Cyprus underscores a growing threat landscape, the overall incidence remains exceptionally low in proportion to the volume of transactions. Maintaining fraud at below 0.002 percent for card payments and 0.01 percent for credit transfers, Cyprus continues to benchmark favorably against its eurozone counterparts. This analysis not only reinforces the importance of robust fraud prevention strategies but also highlights the emerging challenges of cross-border transactions and APP scams in an increasingly digitized economy.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus President Champions Domestic Defence Industry For National Security And Economic Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Government Commitment To Strengthen National Defence

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, reaffirmed the government’s intention to enhance the country’s deterrence capabilities while expanding the potential of the domestic defense industry. Speaking during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace with members of the Cyprus Defence Industry Council, he outlined a strategy that connects national security priorities with long-term economic development.

Performance Assessment And Strategic Objectives

In the presence of Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, the meeting focused on evaluating the achievements of the council one year following its establishment and delineating the path ahead. The President recalled, “Last year, we decided to institutionalize the Cyprus Defence Industry Council. Today, we review our targets and assess what has been achieved and what remains pending. We discussed the need for a registry of Cypriot companies. It is crucial to amplify the international presence of our enterprises. I remain deeply confident in your capabilities,” emphasizing a performance-driven approach aimed at enhanced operational transparency and market expansion.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Positioning The Industry As A New Economic Pillar

President Christodoulidis expressed his firm belief that the Cypriot defence industry could emerge as a significant economic driver. He described it as a “promising new pillar” for the nation’s economy, bolstered by European initiatives such as the SAFE framework, supplementary equipment procurement plans from third countries, and participation in international trade exhibitions. Such strategies, he noted, open up further opportunities for local businesses to integrate into the global arms market.

International Outreach And Future Economic Impact

The President also pledged active support at an international level, citing his positive response to an invitation to Athens to engage in initiatives aimed at enhanced exposure and collaboration. He was confident that the industry’s contribution could realistically reach a double-digit share of Cyprus’ GDP in the coming years, a target he described as not only ambitious but entirely attainable given current capabilities.

Clear Vision For Measurable Progress

Concluding the meeting, President Christodoulidis reaffirmed his commitment: “I am fully aware of your potential. This is an emerging sector critical to both our economic future and our national security. Today, I expect us to review our concrete achievements, address the areas requiring improvement, and steer this initiative toward even greater success.” This decisive call for accountability and action underscores a broader strategic agenda that intertwines national defence imperatives with forward-looking industrial and economic policies.