Guyana Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Guyana's oil-driven investment boom has brought a surge in fake oil-and-gas investment schemes alongside long-running lottery, romance and land-deal fraud.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Guyana's rapid growth as an oil producer since major offshore discoveries has made it fertile ground for fake investment pitches referencing ExxonMobil contracts, local supplier deals, or oil-block 'shares' that do not exist. Lottery and sweepstakes scams targeting the Guyanese diaspora in the US, UK and Canada remain common, often claiming a relative has won money that requires a fee to release. Land and real estate fraud is also notable given rising property demand in Georgetown, where fraudulent title transfers and double-selling of plots have been reported.
Common scams
- Fake oil-and-gas investment or supplier-contract schemes referencing Guyana's offshore boom
- Lottery and sweepstakes scams targeting Guyanese abroad claiming a relative has won a prize
- Land title fraud involving forged documents or double-selling of the same plot
- Advance-fee remittance scams asking family in Guyana to pay 'customs' fees for a parcel
Tourist-specific scams
- Unlicensed taxi drivers at Cheddi Jagan International Airport quoting inflated fixed fares
- Overcharging for river and interior tours booked informally rather than through registered operators
- Currency exchange scams involving miscounted Guyanese dollars in busy Georgetown markets
Online shopping scams
- Facebook Marketplace scams for vehicles, electronics, or rental properties requiring deposits before viewing
- Phishing texts impersonating local banks or GTT/Digicel asking customers to 'verify' account details
- Fake customs or courier fee messages claiming a package is held pending payment
Job scams
- Fake oil-sector recruitment ads charging upfront fees for training or work permits
- Overseas job offers requiring payment for visa processing that never materializes
Romance scams
- Online partners, often claiming to work offshore or abroad, requesting money for emergencies or travel
- Long-distance relationships escalating to requests for cryptocurrency or gift card payments
Investment scams
- Unregistered oil-block or 'local content' investment shares sold to diaspora investors
- Ponzi-style forex and crypto trading groups promoted through WhatsApp and Facebook
How to report a scam here
- Stop all payments immediately and contact your bank to attempt to reverse or block the transaction
- File a report with the nearest Guyana Police Force station and obtain an occurrence book (OB) number
- Report investment fraud to the Guyana Securities Council if it involves securities or shares
- If scammed from abroad, also report to your home country's fraud reporting body (e.g. FTC, Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud))
- Preserve all messages, receipts and screenshots as evidence for the police report
Local reporting & protection links
- Guyana Police Force
- Police emergency — Dial 911
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Call your bank's fraud line immediately, using the number on your card or in the official app, and ask for the payment to be stopped or reversed and the receiving account reported. Explain that you were deceived into authorizing it, and write down whatever reference number you are given. Then file a report at the nearest Guyana Police Force station and request an occurrence book (OB) number, which your bank will want for any dispute claim. If card details were shared, ask about freezing or reissuing the card.
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 oil investment offers from Guyana legitimate?
Be very cautious of unsolicited investment offers referencing Guyana's oil sector; verify any company against the Guyana Securities Council and never send funds for 'shares' pitched over social media.
How do I report a scam if I live abroad but the scammer targeted family in Guyana?
File a report with the Guyana Police Force where the money was received, and also report to your own country's fraud agency if you sent funds internationally.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Report Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance