Mongolia Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
A guide to scams in Mongolia, from tourist fraud in Ulaanbaatar to online investment and job scams.
Emergency number: 102 (police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Mongolia is a vast and sparsely populated country attracting adventure travellers, trekkers and horse-riding tourists. While violent crime is low, visitors in Ulaanbaatar face pickpocketing, taxi fraud and organised tourist scams. Online fraud is rising rapidly as mobile internet spreads, with investment and job scams increasingly common. Mongolia's National Police Agency handles criminal complaints (102), while the Authority for Fair Competition and Consumer Protection (AFCCP) at afccp.gov.mn handles consumer disputes. Local authorities often do not speak English, so having translation assistance when reporting is advisable.
Common scams
- Taxi overcharging and unlicensed driver scams in Ulaanbaatar
- Counterfeit currency passed in markets and informal exchanges
- Online investment and crypto fraud promoted via social media
- Fake job offers abroad requiring advance fees
Tourist-specific scams
- Taxi overcharging from Chinggis Khaan International Airport
- Fake ger (yurt) camp operators collecting deposits then disappearing
- Unofficial guides demanding payment at Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
- Pickpocketing and bag theft in Naran Tuul Market (Black Market)
- Counterfeit currency and short-changing in informal transactions
Online shopping scams
- Fake investment platforms promoted through social media promising high returns
- Phishing messages impersonating Mongolian banks via SMS
- Fake online marketplace listings not delivering goods after payment
Job scams
- Overseas job scams targeting Mongolian workers with offers in South Korea or Japan requiring advance fees
- Online task scams paying small amounts then demanding deposits to unlock earnings
Romance scams
- Online relationships with foreign nationals leading to money requests
- Pig-butchering investment scams introduced through social media or dating apps
Investment scams
- Unregulated crypto and Forex platforms promoted heavily on social media
- Mining investment fraud exploiting Mongolia's coal and copper sector familiarity
How to report a scam here
- Call 102 to report to the National Police Agency or visit the nearest police station
- Visit police.gov.mn for official contacts — note that English support is limited
- Contact your bank immediately to block accounts and dispute transfers
- Report consumer fraud to the AFCCP at afccp.gov.mn
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 to block cards and report transfers. Bring a police report reference when disputing transactions formally. For crypto fraud, report wallet addresses to your exchange as quickly as possible.
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 it safe to use taxis in Ulaanbaatar?
Informal taxis are common in Ulaanbaatar but carry risks of overcharging or worse. Use ride-hailing apps where available, agree the fare before entering any vehicle and avoid taxis that approach you at tourist sites or the airport arrivals hall.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance