A total of 15 complaints linked to online fraud involving a popular accommodation booking platform have been reported in recent days, the Cyprus Consumers Association said.

Speaking to CNA, the association’s legal officer, Virginia Christou, said that “around 15 complaints were recorded in just the past three to four days”.

She explained that fraudsters appear to be sending messages that look as though they originate from the platform, using its logo, email address and even customers’ personal details, including booking information and contact data.

According to Christou, the messages request a payment of around €100, supposedly to confirm a reservation.

“In several cases, consumers proceeded with the payment,” she said.

She clarified that these payments do not reach the official platform and are therefore not recognised as valid reservation payments.

The Consumers Association urged the public to exercise increased caution and stressed that “major platforms do not request additional payments via email, nor do they make sudden changes to their procedures”.

At the same time, Christou noted that the first complaints have also begun to emerge regarding holiday packages that were either not delivered at all or only partially fulfilled.

In such cases, she said, the association advises consumers to assert their rights and seek compensation wherever violations are identified.

She added that consumers are entitled to compensation, particularly when parts of a travel package – such as scheduled excursions – are not carried out but have been fully paid for.