Algeria Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting tourists and residents in Algeria, with official reporting routes through the Ministry of Interior.
Emergency number: 17 (police), 1548 (police assistance line) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Algeria is a large North African country with a predominantly domestic tourism sector and a growing digital economy. Online fraud including phishing, fake investment platforms and phone impersonation is increasingly reported among residents, while the relatively small number of foreign tourists visiting Algiers, Tamanrasset and the Sahara can face overcharging and unofficial guide approaches. The Algerian police can be reached on 17, with the 1548 assistance line for non-emergency matters, and the Ministry of Interior portal is at interieur.gov.dz.
Common scams
- Phishing messages impersonating Algerian banks or government services
- Phone impersonation scams posing as tax or police officials
- Investment and crypto fraud promoted via social media
- Online marketplace fraud with no delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial guide approaches at Algiers Casbah and Sahara sites
- Overcharging unlicensed taxis at airports
- Overpriced or counterfeit Tuareg craft goods in the south
Online shopping scams
- Fake online shop listings with no delivery
- Social media phishing targeting bank credentials
- Delivery fee SMS scams impersonating postal services
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 investment or money requests
- Fake online partners seeking emergency wire transfers
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms promoted on 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 17 (police emergency) or 1548 (police assistance line) to report fraud
- Visit the Ministry of Interior portal at interieur.gov.dz for reporting guidance
- 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 as soon as you notice, using the number on your card or the official app, and request an emergency hold on the payment. The window for stopping or recalling money narrows fast, so this comes before anything else. Say you were deceived into authorising the transfer, ask for the receiving account to be reported, and take a reference number. Ask about freezing the card and resetting your online banking if details were shared. A police case number from 17 or the 1548 assistance line supports the formal dispute.
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
What number do I call to report a scam to the police in Algeria?
Call 17 for a police emergency or use the 1548 assistance line for non-emergency reports. You can also visit your nearest police station or file a request via the Ministry of Interior services portal at services.interieur.gov.dz.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance