Payment card fraud in Greece declined significantly in 2025, according to new data released by the Bank of Greece, highlighting the impact of improved security measures and coordinated efforts against financial crime.
The number of fraud incidents fell by 9% compared to the previous year, while the ratio of fraudulent transactions to total transactions dropped by 20%, reaching 0.013%. This equates to roughly one fraudulent transaction per 7,600 transactions.
Despite the decline in frequency, the total value of fraudulent transactions remained stable at €22.6 million. However, as overall transaction volumes rose to €120 billion, the proportion of fraud relative to total transaction value improved, dropping to 0.019%. This translates to €1 of fraud for every €5,300 in transactions, compared to €1 per €4,900 in 2024.
What drove the decline
According to the central bank, the reduction in fraud cases is largely due to enhanced prevention systems implemented by financial institutions and payment service providers. Collaboration with national and international authorities to dismantle criminal networks also played a key role.
Authorities also point to increased public awareness campaigns on safe digital payment practices, alongside targeted actions against scams such as fraudulent investment schemes and deceptive SMS messages.
Efforts to combat phone-based fraud techniques, including caller ID spoofing, were strengthened through cooperation between banking and telecommunications regulators.
Declines across all transaction types
Fraud incidents decreased across all payment channels. Transactions at physical points of sale (POS) saw the largest drop, down 21%, followed by a 7% decline in remote transactions where the card is not physically present, and a 6% decrease in ATM-related fraud.
In terms of value, fraud losses at POS terminals fell sharply by 28%, while ATM-related fraud declined slightly by 2%. However, losses linked to remote transactions increased by 4%, underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities in online payments.
Online fraud remains a concern
Remote transactions continue to account for the vast majority of fraud cases. According to the data, 98% of fraudulent transaction value and 99% of incidents in this category are linked to online payments, often involving merchants based outside Greece.
