Marshall Islands Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
The Marshall Islands sees relatively few tourist scams due to low visitor numbers, but residents face online romance fraud, fake remittance schemes and offshore company/shell-corporation abuse tied to its corporate registry.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
The Marshall Islands has very low tourist volume, so in-person tourist scams are rare compared to other Pacific destinations. The bigger risk profile involves the country's offshore corporate registry being exploited by fraudsters to set up shell companies used in international investment scams, unrelated to ordinary residents. For individuals, the main risks are online romance scams, phishing targeting bank and government benefit accounts, and fake online marketplaces exploiting the isolation of inter-island shipping to justify upfront payment for goods that never arrive.
Common scams
- Fraudsters incorporating Marshall Islands shell companies to lend false legitimacy to investment scams (a registry abuse issue, not something residents typically encounter directly)
- Online romance scams targeting islanders and the diaspora in the US and Guam
- Phishing messages impersonating banks or government benefit programs
- Fake online marketplace listings requesting prepayment for goods shipped between atolls
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging for boat charters or diving trips without an agreed price upfront
- Unlicensed tour guides at WWII historic sites demanding inflated fees
Online shopping scams
- Facebook Marketplace scams involving prepayment for vehicles or goods shipped inter-island
- Phishing texts impersonating Bank of Marshall Islands or Bank of Guam
- Fake lottery or prize notification emails targeting islanders
Job scams
- Fake overseas job offers (US, Guam) charging upfront fees for visa sponsorship under the Compact of Free Association
- Fraudulent recruitment for maritime or fishing vessel jobs requiring advance payment
Romance scams
- Scammers on Facebook or dating apps building relationships with islanders before requesting money for travel or emergencies
- Fake military service member profiles requesting gift cards or wire transfers
Investment scams
- Cryptocurrency schemes recruiting through social media referral networks
- Fake international investment funds citing Marshall Islands incorporation as false proof of legitimacy
How to report a scam here
- Report the incident to the Marshall Islands Police Department (Majuro)
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze the account and dispute unauthorized transactions
- If a scam involves a Marshall Islands-registered company, report it to the Registrar of Corporations and to your home country's fraud authority
- US citizens and residents can also file a complaint with the FBI's IC3 given the Compact of Free Association relationship with the US
Local reporting & protection links
- Marshall Islands Police Department — Report in person in Majuro; emergency line 911
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately to report unauthorized transactions and request a freeze, then file a police report to support any dispute.
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
Why do scam investment schemes mention Marshall Islands companies?
Fraudsters sometimes register shell companies in the Marshall Islands' offshore corporate registry to appear more credible; the registration itself proves nothing about legitimacy, so verify any investment independently.
Are there many tourist scams in the Marshall Islands?
Tourist scams are relatively uncommon given low visitor numbers, but agree on prices for boat charters and tours upfront to avoid disputes.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance