Eritrea Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Eritrea's isolated, tightly controlled economy limits tourist-scam exposure but creates fertile ground for diaspora-targeted remittance fraud, fake exit-visa 'fixers' and online romance scams.
Emergency number: 113 (police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Eritrea's government maintains tight control over travel, media and the economy, and tourism is limited, so most visitors encounter few classic tourist scams beyond guide and taxi overcharging in Asmara. The bigger fraud risk involves the large Eritrean diaspora, who are frequently targeted by remittance scams, fake 'fixer' services claiming to expedite exit visas or diaspora tax paperwork, and online romance scams exploiting family separation.
Common scams
- Fake 'fixer' services claiming to expedite exit visas, national service exemptions or diaspora tax paperwork for a fee
- Fraudulent remittance agents promising better exchange rates who never deliver funds to family in Eritrea
- Overcharging by unlicensed guides and taxi drivers in Asmara
- Advance-fee fraud via email or messaging apps targeting the diaspora with fake inheritance or property claims
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial guides at historical sites in Asmara charging inflated, unlicensed fees
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares to foreign visitors without agreeing a price upfront
Online shopping scams
- Phishing messages targeting diaspora communities impersonating remittance services or government agencies
- Fake online sellers or property listings targeting Eritreans abroad wanting to invest at home
- Social-media impersonation of relatives or officials to solicit money
Job scams
- Fraudulent overseas job or resettlement offers targeting Eritreans and refugees, requiring upfront agency fees
Romance scams
- Online relationships exploiting family separation, where a supposed partner or long-lost relative requests money for travel or emergencies
Investment scams
- Diaspora-targeted property or business investment schemes in Eritrea that turn out to be unregistered or fraudulent
How to report a scam here
- Verify any exit-visa, tax or paperwork service directly through official government or embassy channels rather than informal fixers
- Report unauthorized remittance-agent fraud to your bank or money-transfer provider
- File a police report at the local police station if fraud occurred within Eritrea
- Report online scams targeting diaspora members to the platform involved and to local consumer-fraud authorities in your country of residence
Local reporting & protection links
- Police (emergency) — Dial 113
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Report unauthorized transactions directly at your bank branch and to the local police station; foreign victims should also notify their home bank.
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
Are exit-visa 'fixers' for Eritrea legitimate?
Exit and travel documentation should be handled through official government or embassy channels; informal fixers charging fees for expedited processing are a common source of fraud.
How can the Eritrean diaspora avoid remittance scams?
Use well-known, licensed money-transfer operators rather than informal agents promising better rates, and verify delivery with family directly.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance