Officers from the National Investigation Inspectorate's (INI) cybercrime center have recorded more than 1,000 crimes involving information technology, the majority of which are frauds related to cryptocurrency investments and pyramid schemes. INI officers are drawing attention to the risks of these illicit activities, which target victims through sophisticated methods such as sponsored advertising and quick messaging, IPN reports.

These crimes include, in particular, investment-related frauds such as fictitious share trades, cryptocurrencies and pyramid schemes, carried out by criminal groups, which lure victims through sponsored advertising on social media or phone calls made, in particular through the "WhatsApp" and "Telegram" apps. These groups, posing as representatives of financial companies, promise quick investment gains and victims are deceived into losing their investments.

In addition, criminals resort to the use of artificial intelligence to create fake videos, distributed on social networking sites Facebook and Instagram, in which images and sounds of public figures, including politicians and state dignitaries, are used to attract interest and mislead potential victims. Criminal groups also present themselves as lawyers or jurists, promising victims to pay back money lost in fraud, but these promises are false.

In order to prevent such frauds, the police advise citizens to avoid accessing links from unknown or dubious sources, to be wary of online surveys distributed via social networks, especially those promising big winnings. The authorities also stress that you should not divulge personal data, bank details or sensitive information to unknown people, and if you decide to invest, it is essential to check that the company is officially registered, has a head office and a clear track record in the market. If, however, you have become a victim of fraud, the police recommend that you immediately inform the authorities and the bank that services your card in order to take the necessary action.