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 June 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 (Policie České republiky) accepts criminal reports online at oznameni.policie.cz and at any police station. The National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB) handles cybersecurity policy and accepts incident reports. For serious cybercrime, the Central Cybercrime Bureau (ÚOOZ) specialises in digital offences. Consumer fraud can be reported to the Czech Trade Inspection Authority (COI). Reporting quickly to your bank gives the best chance of halting a fraudulent transfer.
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
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and cryptocurrency investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and clone broker firms
- Crypto and 'AI bot' investment schemes
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
Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card. Czech banks can attempt to recall fraudulent transfers most effectively within the first few hours. No legitimate bank sends an SMS asking for your full card details or internet-banking password via a link.
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