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Two rules that prevent most money scams in Greece

Almost every money loss comes down to breaking one of two rules. (1) No real bank, tax office or police will ever ask for your password, full card number, one-time code, or to “move your money to a safe account.” (2) Instant and irreversible rails — IRIS, cash, crypto — have no undo; cards and SEPA give you rights, IRIS/cash/crypto do not. Match the rail to how much you trust the other side.

Rule 1 — nobody legitimate asks for your secrets. Your bank’s fraud team, the tax office (AADE) and the police will never phone, text or email you to ask for your password, your full card number, an OTP/one-time code, or to install remote-control software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer), or to “transfer your money somewhere safe.” Anyone who does is a criminal. The defence is always the same: hang up or close the message, then contact the institution yourself using the number on its official website or the back of your card — never a number or link they gave you.

Rule 2 — know which payments can be undone. Different rails carry different protection:

  • Cards and SEPA transfers — give you rights: an unauthorised-transaction refund and, for cards, chargeback. See your payment rights.
  • IRIS, cash, and crypto — no chargeback, no undo. Once sent, it’s gone.

So use the protected rails when you don’t fully trust the other party, and treat IRIS/cash/crypto like handing over banknotes.

The dangerous middle — when you approve it yourself. The hardest scams trick you into authorising the payment (you typed the code, you sent the IRIS). Because you approved it, the automatic refund right usually does not apply. That is exactly why scammers push you toward IRIS and transfers — and why slowing down to verify is the only protection. See payment rights and fraud aimed at newcomers.

If something already went wrong

act fast and in writing — tell your bank immediately (this triggers your rights) and report it through the right channel. Keep every screenshot, reference number and time.

Related

fraud aimed at newcomers · money mules · where to report fraud · your payment rights · card & payment scams

This is general information, not legal or security advice. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank and the police. WTP Finance is informational only.

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