Croatia Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting tourists and residents in Croatia, from Dubrovnik overcharging to online investment fraud, with official reporting channels.
Emergency number: 192 (police), 112 (general emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Croatia's Adriatic coast and historic cities attract millions of tourists each year, making it fertile ground for overcharging, fake accommodation listings, and rental scams. Online fraud — including investment schemes, phishing and romance scams — has risen significantly. The Ministry of Interior (mup.gov.hr) handles policing and cybercrime reporting, while the national CERT (cert.hr) handles cyber-incident coordination.
Common scams
- Fake holiday rental and accommodation listings
- Online investment and crypto fraud
- Overcharging at tourist restaurants and bars
- Phishing messages impersonating Croatian banks
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging in tourist-area restaurants (especially Dubrovnik and Split)
- Unofficial taxi drivers charging inflated fares
- Counterfeit or substandard souvenirs
- Fake boat tour operators collecting cash with no services delivered
Online shopping scams
- Fraudulent rental listings on accommodation platforms
- Phishing emails and SMS impersonating Croatian banks (Erste, Raiffeisen, Zaba)
- Social media investment ads promoting fake platforms
Job scams
- Fake seasonal hospitality job offers requiring upfront fees
- Remote work scams targeting Croatian residents
Romance scams
- Dating-app relationships escalating to investment or money requests
- Fake personas on social media requesting emergency funds
Investment scams
- Fraudulent crypto and forex platforms promoted via Facebook and Instagram ads
- Ponzi schemes disguised as high-yield investment opportunities
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money has been transferred fraudulently
- Report the crime to the nearest police station or through the Ministry of Interior at mup.gov.hr
- For cybercrime, contact the national CERT at cert.hr
- Dial 192 for police or 112 for general emergencies
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 or app. Report cybercrime to the Ministry of Interior (mup.gov.hr) and cyber-incidents to the national CERT at cert.hr.
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 do I report online fraud in Croatia?
Report online fraud to the Croatian Ministry of Interior via mup.gov.hr or email [email protected]. For cybersecurity incidents, contact the national CERT at cert.hr or email [email protected].
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance