Comoros Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Comoros sees mostly low-level tourist overcharging and boat-trip safety issues, alongside online romance and diaspora investment scams targeting Comorians abroad.
Emergency number: 17 (police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
The Comoros archipelago receives modest tourist numbers, and most scam risk for visitors involves overcharging for taxis, boat transport between islands, and informal guide services rather than organized fraud. A larger and more costly risk affects the Comorian diaspora and online daters: romance scams and fraudulent investment schemes that specifically target Comorians living abroad who send money home, as well as fake inter-island boat operators who oversell capacity on unsafe vessels.
Common scams
- Overcharging by unlicensed taxi and boat operators quoting inflated prices to foreigners
- Fake or unsafe inter-island ferry operators overselling tickets on overcrowded boats
- Advance-fee schemes targeting the Comorian diaspora involving supposed inheritance or land disputes
- Fake customs or courier fees demanded to release parcels sent from abroad
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial guides at the airport in Moroni offering paid assistance that isn't required
- Vendors and craft sellers significantly overpricing goods for tourists
- Unlicensed boat operators charging premium prices for trips between Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli without safety equipment
Online shopping scams
- Romance scams targeting people abroad who connect with a supposed Comorian partner online, followed by requests for travel or emergency funds
- Phishing messages impersonating banks or mobile-money services
- Fake online sellers advertising goods or property in Comoros that don't exist
Job scams
- Fake overseas job offers targeting Comorians seeking work in the Gulf or Europe, requiring upfront agency fees
Romance scams
- Long-distance relationships where the Comorian partner requests money to cover visa, flight or emergency costs before a promised visit
Investment scams
- Diaspora-targeted land or real-estate investment schemes in Comoros that turn out to be unregistered or fraudulent
- Informal savings clubs and Ponzi schemes promising high returns to migrant workers sending money home
How to report a scam here
- Stop contact and payment immediately once fraud is suspected
- Report the incident to the Police Nationale at the nearest station in Moroni or on the relevant island
- Contact your bank or money-transfer provider to attempt to dispute or recall a fraudulent transfer
- For romance or online scams, report the profile to the dating app or social-media platform
Local reporting & protection links
- Police (emergency) — Dial 17
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Notify your bank or money-transfer service as soon as fraud is suspected and file a complaint with the Police Nationale to document the case.
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
Are inter-island boats in Comoros safe?
Safety standards vary; use established operators, avoid overcrowded boats, and be cautious of unlicensed operators who charge foreigners more.
How can I verify a land investment offer in Comoros?
Verify property and title documents independently through official land registry channels before sending any money, and be skeptical of deals pushed by unsolicited online contacts.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance