Moldova Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting residents and visitors in Moldova, with reporting routes through cybercrime.mai.gov.md and the police.
Emergency number: 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Moldova is a small Eastern European country with a growing digital economy but also a high volume of online fraud targeting both locals and the diaspora. Romance scams, fake online shops, phishing impersonating banks, and investment fraud are among the most reported categories. The Ministry of Internal Affairs operates a dedicated cybercrime reporting portal at cybercrime.mai.gov.md, and the national police (Politia.md) and CERT-GOV-MD provide additional channels for victims.
Common scams
- Phishing messages impersonating Moldovan banks
- Fake online marketplace listings with advance payment
- Romance scams escalating to financial requests
- Investment and crypto fraud via social media
Tourist-specific scams
- Unlicensed taxi overcharging in Chisinau
- Fake wine-tour operators with no delivery of promised experience
Online shopping scams
- Fake delivery fee SMS impersonating courier services
- Social media shop scams with no goods delivered
- Account takeover via phishing links
Job scams
- Fake remote work ads requiring upfront registration fees
- Task scams via messaging apps paying small sums then demanding deposits
Romance scams
- Long-distance relationship fraud with escalating money requests
- Dating-app grooming leading to fake crypto investment platforms
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms promoted on social media
- Pig-butchering scams combining romance with fabricated investment portals
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze affected accounts or reverse transfers
- Report cybercrime via the Ministry of Internal Affairs portal at cybercrime.mai.gov.md
- Contact the national police (Politia) at politia.md or call 112 for urgent matters
- For government-related cyber incidents also notify CERT-GOV-MD at stisc-cert.gov.md
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 number on your card or the official app. Request an emergency hold on any recent transfer. Obtain a police case number from cybercrime.mai.gov.md to support any formal bank 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
How do I report online fraud in Moldova?
Use the dedicated portal at cybercrime.mai.gov.md run by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. You can also call 112 and ask for police assistance, or file a report at any local police station. For government-sector cyber incidents contact CERT-GOV-MD at stisc-cert.gov.md.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance