Other Tourist Scams in Paphos, Cyprus
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Paphos — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Other Scams Scams
10
Total in Paphos
How it works
Paphos is notorious for aggressive timeshare sales teams who approach tourists on the harbourfront offering free boat trips or restaurant vouchers in exchange for attending a short presentation. The presentation lasts 4–6 hours with extreme pressure to sign contracts.
How it works
Local car hire companies photograph vehicles superficially before rental. Upon return, minor pre-existing scratches or stone chips are attributed to the renter and charged against deposits, sometimes thousands of euros.
How it works
Operators renting jet skis and pedal boats on Coral Bay beach present customers with pre-existing scratches and dents as new damage after the rental period, then demand on-the-spot cash payments of €150–400 to avoid "police involvement." The same damage claims are cycled through multiple tourists each day. Rental contracts are written in Greek with damage clauses buried in fine print, and operators refuse to provide a copy before the ride. Some operators work in pairs, with one filming the return handover selectively to manufacture evidence.
See all scams in Paphos
10 total warnings across all categories