Jordan Scams: Online, Tourist & Financial Fraud Guide
Common scams in Jordan and how to report them to the Anti-Cybercrime Unit, the Public Security Directorate, and your bank.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Jordan is a stable, well-visited country in the Middle East, and while serious violent crime is rare, scams targeting tourists and residents do occur. In popular sites such as Petra and Wadi Rum, visitors face overcharging guides and transport operators and fake souvenir sellers. Online, residents face banking phishing, fake investment platforms, and social media fraud. Jordan's Anti-Cybercrime Unit, part of the Public Security Directorate (psd.gov.jo), investigates digital crimes under the Cybercrime Law. The Central Bank of Jordan has a consumer protection function for financial services complaints. The emergency number is 911. Reporting quickly to your bank and the authorities gives the best chance of tracing fraud.
Common scams
- Banking and payment card phishing
- Fake investment and cryptocurrency platforms
- Overcharging tourist services at historical sites
- Social media marketplace fraud and non-delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging guides and transport operators at Petra and Wadi Rum
- Fake souvenir and Dead Sea product sellers
- Unofficial money changers offering poor or fraudulent exchange rates
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating banks or government services
- Fake online shops and marketplace non-delivery
- Social media advance-fee and lottery scams
Job scams
- Fake overseas employment offers requiring upfront fees
- Task scams via messaging apps
Romance scams
- Social media romance with escalating financial requests
Investment scams
- Fake forex and cryptocurrency trading platforms
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if a fraudulent transfer was made
- Report cybercrime to the Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Public Security Directorate at psd.gov.jo
- For financial service fraud, contact the Central Bank of Jordan consumer protection division
- Call 911 for urgent police assistance
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 using the official number on your card or their app. No legitimate bank or government authority will demand urgent transfers or payment by gift card. The Central Bank of Jordan (cbj.gov.jo) oversees financial consumer protection and accepts complaints about banks and financial institutions.
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 Jordan?
Contact the Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Public Security Directorate via psd.gov.jo or visit their offices. For urgent police assistance, call 911. Financial fraud can also be reported to the Central Bank of Jordan.
Are tourist scams common at Petra?
Overcharging for horse, donkey, or camel rides is common at Petra. Always agree on the price before accepting any ride or service, and use guides registered through official operators rather than individuals who approach you spontaneously.
What is Jordan's Cybercrime Law?
Jordan's Cybercrime Law No. 17 of 2023 replaced the previous 2015 law and broadened the scope of digital offences and penalties. The Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Public Security Directorate is the primary enforcement body.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance