In 2024, there were 398,723 card fraud incidents recorded (a 3% decrease from 2023), with the total amount stolen reaching €22.6 million (a 5% decrease from 2023), according to data from the Bank of Greece.
Of these, 349,000 frauds occurred online (a 4% increase from 2023), with the total amount stolen reaching €17.6 million.
The most common method of card data theft was fake websites, where products offered at very low prices acted as “bait” to lure users into visiting the site and making a purchase, thus providing their card details and falling victim to online fraud.
Other methods of fraud include cameras on ATMs and fake accounts sending emails pretending to be banks or the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
Although it is believed that internet fraud victims are mainly older people, most incidents involved young individuals, primarily between 18-27 years old, according to Kathimerini.
Unlike online purchases, card fraud decreased at physical locations via POS systems. However, fraud incidents at ATMs increased by 2%. While the increase is not significant, the value of the stolen money rose by 22%, reaching €2.4 million.
The rise in fraud without the physical card is mainly due to the surge in online shopping.
