Albania Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting tourists and residents in Albania, with official reporting routes through the Albanian State Police.
Emergency number: 112 (emergency/police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Albania has emerged as a popular Balkans travel destination, with tourists visiting Tirana, the Albanian Riviera and historic sites like Gjirokastra. Visitors face taxi overcharging, fake ATM skimming and inflated restaurant bills, while residents and online users encounter phishing, fake job ads and investment fraud. The Albanian State Police (Policia e Shtetit) at asp.gov.al and the emergency number 112 are the primary reporting channels, and an Anti-Cybercrime Sector handles online fraud investigations.
Common scams
- Phishing messages impersonating Albanian banks or government agencies
- Fake online job and work-from-home ads
- Investment and crypto fraud via social media
- Online marketplace fraud with no delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Unlicensed taxi overcharging at Tirana airport and ferry ports
- ATM skimming and tampered card readers in tourist areas
- Inflated restaurant bills in Riviera and Tirana tourist zones
- Fake currency exchange booths offering poor rates
Online shopping scams
- Fake social media shops with counterfeit or non-existent goods
- Delivery fee SMS scams impersonating courier services
- Phishing links via email or WhatsApp targeting bank credentials
Job scams
- Fake overseas job ads requiring advance fees or document copies
- Task scams via messaging apps escalating into deposit demands
Romance scams
- Dating-app grooming escalating to crypto investment requests
- Fake online partners seeking emergency wire transfers
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms promoted via social media
- Pig-butchering combining romance with fabricated investment portals
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze affected accounts
- Call 112 to report fraud to the Albanian State Police
- File a formal report at the nearest police station or via asp.gov.al
- Preserve all screenshots, messages and transaction receipts as evidence
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the official number on your card. Request an emergency hold on fraudulent transfers. Obtain a police case number from the Anti-Cybercrime Sector for formal bank disputes.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dedicated cybercrime unit in Albania?
Yes. The Albanian State Police maintains an Anti-Cybercrime Sector that investigates online fraud, phishing, and cyber-enabled financial crime. You can report incidents by calling 112 or visiting asp.gov.al.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance