Greece Scams: Online, Tourist & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Greece and how to report them to the Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division, and your bank.
Emergency number: 100 (police), 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Greece faces a range of fraud including phishing targeting bank accounts, tourist-area street scams, investment fraud, and online marketplace non-delivery. The Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division (CCD) operates a dedicated 11188 hotline and accepts online reports via the gov.gr platform. Tourist areas — particularly Athens and Greek islands — are known for overcharging taxis, fake tour operators, and distraction theft. Contacting your bank immediately after any suspected fraudulent transfer and reporting to the Cyber Crime Division are the most important steps for victims.
Common scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating Greek banks or courier services
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Online marketplace non-delivery
- Rental deposit scams via fake listings
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging or unofficial taxis at airports and tourist sites
- Distraction pickpocketing in crowded areas
- Fake tour operators and boat-trip sellers on the islands
- Counterfeit goods at tourist markets
Online shopping scams
- Phishing emails impersonating Greek banks or AADE (tax authority)
- Fake online shops and classified listings
- Social media marketplace scams
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake seasonal job offers requiring upfront 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 cybercrime to the Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division — call 11188 or report via gov.gr
- File a police complaint at the nearest police station (call 100 for emergencies)
- For consumer fraud, report via the Ministry of Development complaint platform at kataggelies.mindev.gov.gr
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Consumer protection
- Police
- Cybercrime hotline — Dial 11188 to reach the Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division
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. Greek banks can attempt to recall fraudulent transfers most effectively within the first few hours. No legitimate bank or government authority will contact you demanding immediate payment or credential verification by phone or 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 Greece?
Call the Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division on 11188 or report online via the gov.gr platform. For in-person complaints, visit the nearest police station. The Cyber Crime Division also accepts reports by email at [email protected].
Are taxi overcharging scams common in Greece?
Yes, particularly at Athens airport and in tourist areas. Always use official taxis with meters, agree on the fare in advance for fixed-rate routes, or use a licensed ride-hailing app. Check that the meter is running from the start of your journey.
Does the AADE (Greek tax authority) contact citizens by SMS?
The Greek tax authority may send notifications, but it will not send unsolicited SMS messages asking for bank credentials or immediate payments via a link. Such messages are phishing attempts — report them to the Cyber Crime Division.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance