Austria Scams: Online, Banking & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Austria and how to report them to the Bundeskriminalamt, police, and your bank.
Emergency number: 133 (police), 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Austria experiences significant online fraud including phishing targeting online banking credentials, investment scams, parcel-fee smishing (impersonating Austrian Post), and social engineering attacks on bank customers. The Bundeskriminalamt's Cybercrime Competence Centre (C4) coordinates nationwide efforts against cybercrime and operates a dedicated reporting channel. Police complaints can be filed at any police station or the online portal. The Arbeiterkammer provides consumer protection advice and guidance on fraud. Austria's emergency police number is 133. Contacting your bank immediately after any suspected fraud is the most important first step.
Common scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating Austrian banks or Österreichische Post
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Online marketplace non-delivery and overpayment scams
- Remote-access fraud via fake bank helpdesk calls
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unlicensed taxis in Vienna and tourist cities
- Counterfeit goods at street markets
Online shopping scams
- Fake online shops and rental listings
- Parcel-fee smishing impersonating Österreichische Post
- Account takeover phishing targeting banking credentials
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake job offers requiring upfront document or registration fees
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and cryptocurrency investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and clone broker firms
- Crypto and 'AI bot' investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Report cybercrime to the Bundeskriminalamt C4 at bundeskriminalamt.at or email [email protected]
- File a criminal complaint at the nearest police station or online
- Report consumer protection issues to the Arbeiterkammer at arbeiterkammer.at
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 number on your card or official app. Austrian banks can attempt to recall fraudulent transfers most effectively within the first few hours. No legitimate bank or authority will call asking you to move funds to a 'safe account' or share TANs.
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 is the Bundeskriminalamt C4?
The Cybercrime Competence Centre (C4) at the Austrian Criminal Intelligence Service (Bundeskriminalamt) coordinates nationwide efforts to combat cybercrime and operates a public reporting channel. You can contact them via bundeskriminalamt.at or email [email protected].
How do I report online fraud in Austria?
Report cybercrime to the Bundeskriminalamt C4 at bundeskriminalamt.at or file a complaint at your local police station. For consumer fraud and advice, contact the Arbeiterkammer at arbeiterkammer.at.
Does Österreichische Post send SMS asking for payment?
Austrian Post may send delivery notifications, but it will never send an SMS asking you to pay an unexpected customs fee via a link in the message. Such texts are phishing attempts — do not click the link.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance