Malta Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
A guide to scams in Malta, covering tourist fraud, online phishing and investment schemes with official reporting guidance.
Emergency number: 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Malta is a small EU island nation and a growing centre for online gaming and cryptocurrency regulation. Its tourism industry and large expat community make it attractive to scammers. The Malta Police Cyber Crime Unit investigates digital fraud, while the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) handles consumer protection. Malta's VFA framework (Virtual Financial Assets Act) means investment fraud often exploits the country's crypto-friendly reputation.
Common scams
- Online gaming and gambling account fraud
- Phishing impersonating Bank of Valletta and HSBC Malta
- Investment fraud exploiting Malta's VFA crypto-friendly reputation
- Fake rental and accommodation listings targeting tourists and expats
Tourist-specific scams
- Unlicensed taxi and transfer touts at Malta International Airport
- Overpriced restaurant menus in Valletta and St Julian's tourist strips
- Fake festival or event tickets sold through social media
- Boat trip scams with non-existent services or poor safety standards
Online shopping scams
- Phishing targeting Bank of Valletta and HSBC Malta customers
- Fake e-commerce sites delivering counterfeit or no goods
- Smishing impersonating Malta Post or customs services
Job scams
- Fake iGaming and tech job offers requiring advance training fees
- Task scams via Telegram promising online income then demanding deposits
Romance scams
- Online relationships with expat or tourist-targeting scammers
- Pig-butchering schemes initiated through Malta dating-app connections
Investment scams
- Unregulated crypto platforms falsely claiming MFSA or VFA registration
- Clone firm fraud impersonating MFSA-licensed brokers and funds
How to report a scam here
- Report cybercrime to the Malta Police Cyber Crime Unit on +356 2294 2231 or via pulizija.gov.mt
- File a general police report online or at any Malta Police district station
- Report consumer fraud to the MCCAA Office for Consumer Affairs at mccaa.org.mt
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts and initiate a dispute
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 — EU PSD2 regulations require Maltese banks to process unauthorised transaction disputes promptly. File a parallel report with the Cyber Crime Unit and keep your case reference number.
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
Is Malta a hotspot for crypto scams?
Malta gained a reputation as 'Blockchain Island' for its early crypto regulation, which scammers exploit by falsely claiming MFSA or VFA registration. Always verify any crypto firm on the MFSA register at mfsa.mt before investing. Legitimate firms will never solicit unsolicited investment.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance