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
Contact your bank or mobile money provider immediately. For M-Pesa fraud, contact Vodacom Mozambique using official channels. Obtain a police case number from the PRM for formal disputes.
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