Micronesia Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
The Federated States of Micronesia has minimal tourist scam activity given low visitor numbers, but residents and the diaspora face online romance fraud, phishing and remittance scams tied to close US ties.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
The Federated States of Micronesia sees relatively few visitors outside dive tourism in Chuuk and Yap, so organized tourist scams are uncommon compared to other Pacific destinations. The larger risk for residents involves online fraud exploiting the country's Compact of Free Association relationship with the United States, including fake US visa/immigration schemes, phishing targeting bank accounts, and romance scams on Facebook targeting islanders and the diaspora in Guam and Hawaii. Fraudulent online marketplace listings exploiting inter-island shipping delays are also common.
Common scams
- Fake US visa or Compact of Free Association migration assistance schemes charging upfront fees
- Phishing messages impersonating Bank of Guam or Bank of the FSM
- Online romance scams targeting islanders and diaspora community members abroad
- Fraudulent online marketplace listings for goods shipped inter-island requiring prepayment
Tourist-specific scams
- Unlicensed dive operators in Chuuk Lagoon collecting full payment for trips that are downgraded or cancelled
- Overcharging for boat transport between islands without an agreed price
Online shopping scams
- Facebook Marketplace scams involving prepayment for vehicles or electronics shipped from Guam or Hawaii
- Phishing texts requesting online banking credentials or OTPs
- Fake prize or lottery notification emails
Job scams
- Fake overseas job or military-adjacent contractor offers charging upfront fees for processing
- Fraudulent maritime and fishing vessel recruitment requiring advance payment
Romance scams
- Scammers on Facebook building relationships with islanders before requesting money for travel or emergencies
- Fake US military profiles requesting gift cards or wire transfers
Investment scams
- Cryptocurrency schemes recruiting through social media referral networks
- Fake trading or forex 'mentor' groups targeting Pacific Islander communities online
How to report a scam here
- Report the incident to the FSM National Police or the relevant state police (Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, Kosrae)
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze the account and dispute unauthorized transactions
- Given close US ties, US-based victims or diaspora can also file with the FBI's IC3
- Warn family and community networks since remittance and romance scams often circulate through the same contacts
Local reporting & protection links
- FSM National Police — Report in person at your state police headquarters; 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
Are there many scams targeting tourists in Micronesia?
Tourist scams are uncommon given the small, dive-focused visitor market; the greater risk is online fraud targeting residents and diaspora through social media.
Why do islanders get targeted by US-focused visa scams?
The Compact of Free Association gives FSM citizens special US immigration status, which scammers exploit by offering fake 'fast track' visa or relocation services for a fee.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance