Egypt Scams: Online, Banking & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Egypt and how to report them to EG-CERT, the Cybercrime Unit hotline 108, and your bank.
Emergency number: 122 (police), 123 (ambulance) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Egypt faces online fraud including phishing targeting bank accounts and mobile wallets, investment scams, and social engineering attacks. The Egyptian Computer Emergency Readiness Team (EG-CERT), hosted by the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), handles technical cyber incident response. The Ministry of Interior's Cybercrime Unit operates the 108 hotline for reporting internet crimes. Egypt's Law No. 175 of 2018 on Combating Information Technology Crimes provides the legal framework for prosecution. Tourists may also encounter classic street scams and inflated pricing at tourist sites. Contacting your bank and reporting to the Cybercrime Unit quickly are the most important steps after any suspected fraud.
Common scams
- Phishing targeting Egyptian bank accounts and mobile wallets
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Social engineering calls impersonating bank officials or government agencies
- Online marketplace non-delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unofficial taxis and transport services
- Inflated prices at tourist sites and in tourist-area shops
- 'Papyrus shop' and perfume-factory commission scams
- Fake tour operators at airports and hotels
Online shopping scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating Egyptian banks
- Fake online shops and ticket-booking sites
- Social media account takeover and impersonation
Job scams
- Fake job offers requiring upfront fees or document payments
- Task scams via messaging apps
Romance scams
- Dating-app and social media romance with escalating financial requests
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
- Community Ponzi and pyramid investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Call the Cybercrime Unit hotline on 108 to report internet crime
- Report technical cyber incidents to EG-CERT at egcert.eg
- File a police report at the nearest police station or contact the Ministry of Interior
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 its official hotline — do not use a number provided by a suspected scammer. Egyptian banks can attempt to flag and hold fraudulent transactions if notified quickly. Never share OTPs or banking credentials with anyone over the phone.
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 Egypt?
Call the Cybercrime Unit hotline on 108 to report internet crime to the Ministry of Interior. For technical cyber incidents involving infrastructure or systems, contact EG-CERT at egcert.eg. File a formal police report at your nearest police station for criminal matters.
What is EG-CERT?
EG-CERT is the Egyptian Computer Emergency Readiness Team, hosted by the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA). It monitors cybersecurity threats, provides incident response support, and coordinates with international CERT organisations.
Are tourist-area scams common in Egypt?
Yes, particularly around major historic sites. Unofficial 'guides' who approach tourists unsolicited often expect payment, and shops near monuments may offer inflated prices. Using licensed guides booked through your hotel or a reputable operator and agreeing on prices in advance are effective precautions.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance