Czechia Scams: Online, Banking & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Czechia and how to report them to the Czech Police, NÚKIB, and your bank.
Emergency number: 158 (police), 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 August 2026
Czechia experiences online fraud including phishing targeting internet banking, smishing impersonating Czech Post or courier companies, investment scams, and marketplace fraud. The Czech Police accept criminal reports online and at any station, NÚKIB handles cybersecurity incidents, and consumer fraud can be reported to the Czech Trade Inspection Authority (COI).
The most damaging Czech scam is the combined 'fake banker and fake policeman' call: first a 'bank employee' warns that your account is under attack, then a 'police officer' — sometimes sending a photographed badge over WhatsApp — confirms the 'investigation' and instructs you to move savings to a 'safe account', withdraw cash for collection, or even take out a loan because 'the attackers applied for one in your name'. Czech banks and police repeat constantly that no one legitimate will ever direct you this way. Marketplace fraud on Bazoš and Sbazar is the everyday threat: fake buyers send links to counterfeit courier or 'payment gateway' pages that harvest full card details — receiving money never requires entering your card number and codes.
Investment fraud leans on fabricated celebrity endorsements — fake news pages and deepfake videos using well-known Czech figures funnel victims into crypto platforms, where 'account managers' coach deposits via remote-access software until withdrawals require 'taxes'. Phishing waves impersonate banks, Česká pošta, energy suppliers with fake refunds, and the tax office. Prague's tourist zones add currency-exchange traps with punitive rates buried in the fine print, dishonest taxis, and inflated bills in tourist-trap venues — count on the official exchange-rate display and licensed transport apps. When money moves, call your bank immediately, then file with the police online and report phishing infrastructure to NÚKIB.
Common scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating Czech banks or Česká pošta
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Online marketplace (Bazos, Sbazar) non-delivery and overpayment scams
- Remote-access fraud via fake bank helpdesk calls
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unlicensed taxis in Prague
- Counterfeit goods and fake tourist souvenirs
- ATM card-swapping and skimming in tourist areas
Online shopping scams
- Parcel-fee smishing impersonating Česká pošta or PPL
- Fake online shops
- Account takeover phishing targeting banking credentials
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake job offers requiring upfront registration or document fees
- Money-mule recruitment via 'payment agent' work ads
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and cryptocurrency investment grooming
- Hacked-account 'friend in need' messages asking for transfers
- Long-distance partners with escalating emergencies
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and clone broker firms
- Crypto and 'AI bot' investment schemes
- Deepfake videos of Czech celebrities promoting fake platforms
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Report crime online to the Czech Police at oznameni.policie.cz
- Report cybersecurity incidents to NÚKIB at nukib.cz
- Report consumer fraud to the Czech Trade Inspection Authority (COI) at coi.cz
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Phone your bank as soon as you realise, using the number on your card or the official app — Czech banks can attempt to recall fraudulent transfers most effectively within the first few hours, before funds are withdrawn or converted at crypto exchanges. Explain that you were deceived into authorising the payment, describe the script used (fake banker, fake policeman, remote-access 'help'), and ask for it to be stopped and the receiving account reported; write down the reference number. If the fraudsters had you take out a loan as part of the 'protection' story, tell the bank immediately — that changes the dispute substantially. If you entered your full card details or internet-banking password on a page reached from a message, ask for the card to be blocked, the password reset from a clean device, and any recently added payees removed. File the police report online the same day so the bank claim carries a case number.
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 cybercrime in Czechia?
File a criminal report with the Czech Police online at oznameni.policie.cz or at your nearest police station. Cybersecurity incidents can also be reported to NÚKIB at nukib.cz. For consumer fraud, contact the Czech Trade Inspection Authority at coi.cz.
Are taxi overcharging scams common in Prague?
Yes, unlicensed taxis at tourist hotspots and the airport are a well-documented problem in Prague. Use official taxi companies with metered fares, licensed ride-hailing apps, or arrange airport transfers in advance to avoid overcharging.
What is NÚKIB?
NÚKIB is the Czech National Cyber and Information Security Agency, responsible for cybersecurity policy, protection of critical infrastructure, and coordination of cybersecurity incident responses. It publishes guidance at nukib.cz.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance