Iceland Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting tourists and residents in Iceland, including holiday rental fraud and online investment schemes, with official reporting channels.
Emergency number: 112 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Iceland has a low overall crime rate but is not immune to scams, particularly those targeting tourists and online users. Visitors frequently encounter fraudulent holiday rental listings, overpriced rental car add-ons, and misleading travel deals. Online investment fraud and romance scams have risen in line with broader European trends. The Icelandic Police (Lögreglan) and the Consumer Agency (Neytendastofa) are the main bodies for reporting fraud.
Common scams
- Fake holiday rental listings on third-party platforms
- Online investment and crypto fraud
- Phishing emails impersonating Icelandic banks
- Overpayment and fake cheque scams
Tourist-specific scams
- Fraudulent or misleading Northern Lights tour packages
- Rental car damage claims for pre-existing damage
- Overpriced unofficial guided tours
Online shopping scams
- Phishing messages impersonating Arion or Landsbankinn
- Fake classified listings on online marketplaces
- Investment fraud via social media ads
Job scams
- Fake overseas job offers requesting upfront fees
- Fraudulent au pair or seasonal work advertisements
Romance scams
- Dating-app relationships escalating to financial requests
- Social media romance scams from overseas contacts
Investment scams
- Fake crypto trading platforms promoted via social media
- Ponzi-style investment clubs promoted through personal networks
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money has been transferred
- Report fraud and cybercrime to the Icelandic Police at logreglan.is or by calling 444-1000
- Report consumer issues and deceptive business practices to the Consumer Agency at neytendastofa.is
- In an emergency, dial 112
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 using the number on your card or official app immediately after suspected fraud. Report the incident to the Icelandic Police at logreglan.is and to your bank's fraud team.
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
Who should I contact for consumer fraud in Iceland?
The Consumer Agency of Iceland (Neytendastofa) handles complaints about deceptive business practices, misleading advertising, and consumer rights violations. Visit neytendastofa.is or call them directly.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance