Georgia Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
A guide to scams in Georgia (the Caucasus country), including tourist fraud, online phishing and investment schemes.
Emergency number: 112 (emergency), 126 (patrol police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Georgia (the country in the South Caucasus) has become a popular destination for digital nomads and tourists thanks to its visa-free access, low cost of living and growing tech scene. While Georgia is generally considered safe, online fraud is increasing and tourists face risks including overcharging taxis, currency scams and fake accommodation. CERT.GOV.GE handles cyber incident response, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) at police.ge investigates criminal fraud.
Common scams
- Online investment and crypto fraud targeting Georgian residents
- Phishing attacks impersonating TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia
- Romance scams via social media targeting expatriates and digital nomads
- Fake rental listings in Tbilisi and Batumi collecting advance deposits
Tourist-specific scams
- Taxi overcharging from Tbilisi airport and train stations
- Fake currency exchange stalls offering inflated rates then short-changing
- Unofficial wine tour operators in Kakheti collecting fees then not appearing
- Fake accommodation listings for Tbilisi and Batumi properties
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia and payment services
- Fake e-commerce stores not delivering goods or collecting card data
- Social media investment fraud promising Forex or crypto profits
Job scams
- Fake overseas job ads requiring advance fees for visas or documents
- Online task scams paying small initial amounts then demanding deposits
Romance scams
- Extended online relationships leading to requests for emergency money transfers
- Pig-butchering investment scams initiated through dating and social apps
Investment scams
- Unregulated crypto and Forex platforms targeting Georgian and expat investors
- Clone firms impersonating NBG-licensed financial institutions
How to report a scam here
- Report cybersecurity incidents to CERT.GOV.GE at cert.gov.ge
- Report fraud to the Ministry of Internal Affairs at police.ge or call 112 for emergencies, 126 for patrol police
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze any affected accounts
- Keep records of all communications and provide them to authorities
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 — TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia both have 24/7 fraud lines. File a report with the police at police.ge and obtain a case reference number to support your bank dispute.
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
Is Georgia (the country) safe for digital nomads?
Georgia is generally considered one of the safer countries for digital nomads and tourists in the region. The main risks are online fraud, fake rental listings and taxi overcharging rather than violent crime. Use verified ride-hailing apps like Bolt for transport and book accommodation through reputable platforms.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance