There are many retired Britons living in Cyprus who prey on the fears (and wallets) of their fellow countrymen.
Acting illegally as property middlemen, they receive a finders fee or commission from their ‘friends’ in the property business when they introduce would-be purchasers. It makes no difference whether you allow yourself to be conned by a silver-tongued expatriate or an affable Cypriot middleman; the end result will be exactly the same!
Although the Cyprus Government introduced a new law at the end of 2004 designed to stamp out these rogues and cowboys, it has proved ineffective.
Take care