Mozambique Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting tourists and residents in Mozambique, with official reporting routes through the PRM and the Attorney General fraud portal.
Emergency number: 119 (police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Mozambique is a growing destination for beach and dive tourism, with tourists visiting Tofo, the Bazaruto Archipelago and Maputo facing overcharging and informal-sector fraud. Residents increasingly encounter online scams including phishing targeting mobile money accounts, fake investment offers and advance-fee schemes. The Mozambique Republic Police (PRM) and the Attorney General fraud reporting portal at fraude-denuncias.pgr.gov.mz are the key official channels.
Common scams
- Phishing messages impersonating M-Pesa or other mobile money services
- Advance-fee and lottery scams via SMS or WhatsApp
- Investment and crypto fraud promoted via social media
- Online marketplace fraud with no delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging informal taxis at Maputo airport and tourist areas
- Unofficial dhow or dive operators in Bazaruto and Tofo
- Overpriced currency exchange at unofficial booths
- Distraction theft at Maputo markets
Online shopping scams
- Fake mobile money (M-Pesa) request messages
- Social media shop scams with counterfeit or non-existent goods
- Phishing links targeting online banking credentials
Job scams
- Fake overseas job ads requiring advance fees or documents
- Task scams via messaging apps escalating into deposit demands
Romance scams
- Dating-app grooming escalating to investment or money requests
- Fake online partners seeking emergency wire transfers
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto platforms promoted via WhatsApp and social media
- Pig-butchering combining romance with fabricated investment portals
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank or M-Pesa provider immediately to freeze affected accounts
- Report fraud involving telecoms or electronic payment to the Attorney General portal at fraude-denuncias.pgr.gov.mz
- Call 119 to reach the Mozambique Republic Police for urgent matters
- Preserve all screenshots, messages and transaction receipts as evidence
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Reach your bank quickly, or Vodacom Mozambique through its official channels if M-Pesa was used, and ask for the affected accounts to be frozen. Use contact details you look up yourself, not any sent by whoever contacted you. Tell them plainly that you were tricked into authorising the payment, ask for it to be recalled and for the receiving account to be reported, and record the reference. Mention any PIN or code you shared. A PRM case number, or a report at fraude-denuncias.pgr.gov.mz, supports the 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 telecom or mobile money fraud in Mozambique?
The Attorney General of Mozambique operates a dedicated fraud reporting portal at fraude-denuncias.pgr.gov.mz specifically for fraud involving telecommunications networks or electronic payment methods. You can also call 119 to contact the Mozambique Republic Police directly.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance