Botswana Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting tourists and residents in Botswana, with official reporting routes through the Botswana Police Service.
Emergency number: 999 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Botswana is a stable, relatively prosperous African nation known for its wildlife reserves and safari tourism. Visitors to the Okavango Delta, Chobe and Gaborone encounter overpriced informal transport and occasional gem scams, while residents face a growing volume of online fraud including phishing, fake investment offers and advance-fee scams. The Botswana Police Service at police.gov.bw and the emergency line 999 are the main reporting channels, with economic crimes and corruption handled by the DCEC.
Common scams
- Advance-fee and lottery scams via email or SMS
- Phishing messages impersonating Botswana banks
- Investment and crypto fraud promoted via social media
- Online marketplace fraud with no delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Inflated safari operator fees from unlicensed guides
- Gem and diamond investment scam pitches in tourist areas
- Overcharging informal taxis and minibuses
Online shopping scams
- Fake social media shops with no goods delivered
- Delivery fee SMS scams impersonating postal services
- Phishing emails impersonating banks or government agencies
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 transfers
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto 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 999 or visit the nearest Botswana Police Service station to file a report
- Report economic crimes and corruption to the DCEC for specialist handling
- Preserve all screenshots, messages and transaction 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 reference from police.gov.bw 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
Who handles economic crime and corruption in Botswana?
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) investigates fraud, money laundering, insider trading and embezzlement in Botswana. You can contact them directly for financial crime matters, in addition to reporting to the Botswana Police Service on 999.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance