Bosnia and Herzegovina Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Balkan tourism boom and diaspora property market attract fake rental listings, unlicensed 'war tour' guides and diaspora real-estate fraud.
Emergency number: 112 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Bosnia and Herzegovina's rapid growth as a Balkan tourism destination, especially in Sarajevo and Mostar, has brought a rise in fake short-term rental listings and unlicensed history or 'war tour' guides operating without accreditation. Its large diaspora also makes it a target for property fraud using forged land-title documents, while phishing targeting online-banking users and unlicensed crypto/forex trading groups round out the main online threats.
Common scams
- Fake vacation rental and apartment listings in Sarajevo or Mostar requiring advance bank transfer
- Fraudulent property sales to diaspora buyers using forged land-title documents
- Phishing SMS and calls impersonating local banks about 'suspicious' card activity
- Fake customs or parcel-fee scams for packages supposedly held at Sarajevo customs
Tourist-specific scams
- Unlicensed 'war tour' or history guides at Sarajevo and Mostar charging inflated fees with no accreditation
- Taxi drivers at Sarajevo International Airport overcharging tourists who don't insist on the meter
- Currency exchange kiosks offering favorable convertible-mark rates that shortchange travelers
Online shopping scams
- Phishing emails and SMS cloning local bank login pages to harvest credentials
- Fake classifieds requiring prepayment for goods never delivered
- Fraudulent crypto and forex trading groups active on regional social media
Job scams
- Recruitment agencies charging upfront fees for construction or hospitality jobs in Western Europe
- Fake remote-work job offers used to harvest banking details
Romance scams
- Profiles targeting the Bosnian diaspora abroad, building relationships before requesting money for family emergencies or travel
Investment scams
- Unlicensed forex or crypto trading platforms promoted through local social media influencers
- Fake real-estate development investment schemes targeting diaspora savings
How to report a scam here
- Report to the local police (MUP) or, for organized and financial crime, the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA)
- Report unauthorized bank transactions to your bank and escalate to the relevant entity banking agency if unresolved
- Preserve all booking confirmations, chat logs and transaction records
- If the scam is cross-border, also report to the cybercrime unit in the other country involved
Local reporting & protection links
- State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA)
- Local police (MUP) — Report fraud and theft at your nearest police station
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Speak to your bank's fraud line without delay, since a transfer is easiest to stop in the first hours. Reach them through the number on your card or the official app, never a number given to you by whoever contacted you. Tell them you were deceived into authorising the payment, ask for it to be recalled and the receiving account reported, and note the reference number. Unresolved disputes can be escalated to the Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina or the Republika Srpska Banking Agency, depending on where your bank operates.
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
How can diaspora buyers avoid property fraud in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Have title documents independently verified by a licensed local notary or lawyer before transferring money, and never rely solely on documents provided by the seller or their agent.
Are unlicensed 'war tour' guides in Sarajevo and Mostar safe to use?
Unaccredited guides may overcharge or provide inaccurate history; book through officially registered tour agencies or guides recommended by your accommodation for a more reliable and fairly priced experience.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Report Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance