Cyprus regulator steps up campaign against digital investment fraud

CySEC warns investors about AI-generated scams and false advice The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has stepped up efforts to protect investors from online scams and artificial intelligence-generated investment fraud , as part of its participation in World Investor Week 2026, while continuing financial education programmes in schools across Cyprus until December. The regulator on Thursday announced that it took part in the international initiative for the eighth consecutive year, focusing on emerging digital investment risks , strengthening financial resilience and helping the public make informed investment decisions. World Investor Week is an initiative of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which seeks to raise awareness of investment risks and promote responsible investing.

CySEC’s campaign placed particular emphasis on fraudulent practices involving misleading online advertisements, false investment recommendations and deceptive content generated using artificial intelligence (AI). The regulator stressed the importance of staying informed , carefully assessing investment opportunities and checking the credibility of investment service providers before committing money. Public awareness activities included daily targeted posts on CySEC’s social media accounts, as well as appearances on television news and current affairs programmes. The commission also encouraged the investment firms and other entities it supervises to help spread the campaign’s messages. As part of the initiative, CySEC produced a Smart Investor Booklet outlining the main messages of World Investor Week 2026, alongside an investor guide titled ‘Knowledge, Protection and Safer Investment Decisions’. Both publications form part of the regulator’s wider…