Thousands in Malta Fall Victim to Cybercrime, Losing Over €32 Million Since 2022

A woman in her 70s lost €500,000 in a romance scam, becoming one of over 3,300 people and businesses in Malta who have fallen victim to cybercrime over the past three years.

The woman told police she was “happily married” but still transferred the large sum to a man who claimed he was an engineer stuck in Turkey without a visa. Her case is one of many, as cybercriminals continue to use emotional and financial tricks to target unsuspecting victims.

According to the police, more than €32 million has been lost in Malta due to various cybercrimes since 2022. These include scams in online shopping, fake investments, and frauds where criminals pretend to be banks or trusted companies.

In one case, a publicly listed company was tricked into transferring €250,000 to scammers posing as a UK business that was expecting a payment under a long-term contract.

Police Inspector Clive Brimmer shared the latest figures:

• Investment fraud: €5.6 million lost by 374 victims

• Romance scams: €1.7 million lost by 67 people

• E-commerce scams: €3.9 million lost by over 1,000 people

• Bank scams: €1.5 million lost by 1,200 victims

Inspector Brimmer stressed the need for constant public awareness. “The problem is huge,” he said, “but we need to find solutions and keep educating people about how to prevent these crimes.”

Karl Grech, director of Victim Support Malta, said cybercriminals take advantage of basic human needs like love and financial stability. “Anyone can fall victim depending on what they’re going through at the time,” he explained. Many victims also feel ashamed and blame themselves, but Grech reminded the public that this is still a crime and victims deserve support.

Cybercrime in Malta has increased by 93% between 2012 and 2022, largely due to more people using digital tools, working remotely, and having their personal information more accessible online.

To help victims cope emotionally and psychologically, Victim Support Malta now offers the Cyber Abuse Therapy Service (CATS). This new programme provides free services such as counselling, psychotherapy, family therapy, psychiatric support, and legal advice.

The CATS project is funded by the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme, under the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.

If you or someone you know has been affected by cybercrime, you can contact Victim Support Malta by calling 21228333, emailing info@victimsupport.org.mt, or visiting their website to fill out a referral form.