Lebanon Scams: Online, Financial & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Lebanon and how to report them to the ISF Cybercrime Bureau and your bank.
Emergency number: 112 (emergency), 01/293293 (cybercrime bureau) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Lebanon's prolonged economic crisis has created conditions for a high incidence of fraud, including banking and currency exchange scams, fake investment opportunities, and online shopping fraud. The Internal Security Forces (ISF) handle law enforcement and operate a dedicated Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Bureau reachable at 01/293293. The official emergency number is 112. Given limited formal consumer protection infrastructure, reporting quickly to your bank and the ISF Cybercrime Bureau are the most important steps after any financial fraud. The ISF website at isf.gov.lb provides internet safety guidance and accepts anonymous complaints.
Common scams
- Currency exchange and banking scams exploiting the financial crisis
- Online shopping non-delivery and fake e-commerce sites
- Fake investment and cryptocurrency platforms
- Phishing impersonating Lebanese banks or financial services
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial taxi overcharging and meter manipulation
- Fake tour operators in Beirut and heritage sites
- Counterfeit goods and overpricing in tourist areas
Online shopping scams
- Phishing and smishing targeting bank credentials
- Fake online shops and social media marketplace fraud
- Crypto investment and 'AI trading' scams
Job scams
- Fake domestic and overseas job offers requiring upfront fees
- Task scams via messaging apps demanding escalating deposits
Romance scams
- Dating-app and social media romance with escalating financial requests
- Long-distance relationships leading to cryptocurrency investment requests
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms exploiting economic anxiety
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Call the ISF Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Bureau on 01/293293
- Report online at isf.gov.lb or use the anonymous complaints form on the ISF website
- Preserve all digital evidence: screenshots, transaction references, messages, and account details
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 account documents or app. Given Lebanon's complex banking environment, act as quickly as possible to report any unauthorised transactions.
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
What is the ISF Cybercrime Bureau in Lebanon?
The Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Bureau is a specialist unit within the Internal Security Forces (ISF) that investigates online fraud, blackmail, identity theft, and other computer crimes. It can be reached by phone on 01/293293 and through the ISF website at isf.gov.lb.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance