First, limit exposure to further loss
If you notice a suspicious transaction or have disclosed login details, notify your bank immediately through its official number or application. Do not rely on contact details in the suspicious message. Explain what happened and ask for guidance on securing accounts, cards and transactions. Keep a reference number and a record of the communication.
Stop sending money to the unknown contact. Do not share further passwords, one-time codes or card details with someone claiming to be an employee. If another person may have accessed your device, follow your bank's instructions and seek appropriate technical help from a trusted professional.
Sources for this section
Preserve the digital material safely
Before an advertisement or conversation disappears, preserve what you safely can. Keep the original email, complete conversation, advertisement link, usernames and dates. Screenshots help organise the facts, but should not be the only material where original files are available.
Do not reopen dangerous attachments to collect more evidence or attempt to access a suspect's account. Record which facts you observed and which were reported by someone else. A displayed name or telephone number does not by itself establish the identity of the actual offender. Keep the material private for the bank, authorities and your legal adviser rather than publishing allegations online.
- Emails, text messages and complete dated conversations
- Website or advertisement URLs and displayed profile details
- Transfer receipts, IBANs, amounts and transaction identifiers
- A timeline, bank correspondence and reference numbers
Report the incident and check procedural requirements
For unlawful activity online, the Hellenic Police Cybercrime Division can be contacted on 11188 without charge. There is also a gov.gr service for reporting computer fraud. Provide factual information and retain a copy of your report and any acknowledgement received.
The everyday term 'online fraud' covers different circumstances and does not establish their legal classification. A lawyer should check whether a formal complaint or another procedural step is needed and which deadline applies. A telephone call or an informational report should not be assumed to satisfy every legal requirement.
Money recovery is a separate issue
A criminal investigation, a bank transaction dispute and a possible civil claim are not the same process. Recovery depends on the facts, payment method, identification of those involved and applicable rules. Reporting an incident is not a promise that the money will be returned.
For a first appointment with a lawyer in Heraklion, arrange the evidence by date and explain precisely what you authorised or entered, without concealing details out of embarrassment. Be cautious about a new contact promising guaranteed recovery in exchange for another advance payment. Immediate notification to your bank should not wait for a legal appointment.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute tailored legal advice. Every matter should be assessed according to its specific facts and available documents.
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