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
Call your bank as soon as you realise what has happened, using the number printed on your card or the contact in the official app rather than anything the other side gave you. Say you were deceived into authorising the payment, ask for it to be stopped or recalled, and ask that the receiving account be reported. Request a reference number, and keep the dates, amounts and messages. Then report the crime to the Ministry of Interior at mup.gov.hr or dial 192, and send 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