Papua New Guinea Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Papua New Guinea's scam risk centres on street-level cash scams in Port Moresby and Lae, mobile-money fraud, and online job/romance scams targeting the diaspora and NGO/resource-sector workers.
Emergency number: 000 (police, Port Moresby) / 111 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Papua New Guinea's fraud landscape reflects its cash-based economy and low card-payment penetration: most scams involve street cons, fake settlement or land-dispute 'fees', and mobile-money (Digicel/bmobile) transfer tricks rather than sophisticated card fraud. Visitors and NGO or mining-sector workers are sometimes targeted with inflated taxi and market prices, fake police checkpoints demanding on-the-spot fines, and 'guide' scams around Mt Hagen, Kokoda Track and Port Moresby markets. Online, PNG residents increasingly face Facebook Marketplace non-delivery scams, fake job offers abroad, and romance scams run by overseas fraudsters targeting PNG nationals via dating apps and social media, alongside SIM-swap and mobile-money PIN theft.
Common scams
- Fake police or 'customs' officers demanding on-the-spot cash fines
- Mobile-money (EFTPOS/Digicel) transfer and PIN-theft scams
- Fake land or settlement 'compensation' fee demands
- Facebook Marketplace non-delivery and fake goods listings
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging and fake 'guide fees' around Port Moresby markets and Kokoda Track
- Unlicensed taxi drivers quoting inflated fares or taking longer routes
- Fake tour operators taking deposits for Kokoda Trail or highlands trekking that never materialise
- Currency exchange short-changing at informal money changers
Online shopping scams
- Facebook Marketplace sellers taking payment via bank transfer and never delivering goods
- Phishing SMS impersonating Digicel or bmobile asking for PIN or top-up codes
- Fake online stores targeting PNG shoppers with unrealistic discounts
Job scams
- Fake overseas job offers (Australia, mining/logistics sector) requiring upfront visa or agency fees
- Recruitment scams impersonating resource-sector employers via Facebook and WhatsApp
Romance scams
- Overseas romance scammers building relationships with PNG users on Facebook before requesting money
- Fake foreign 'suitors' claiming to be en route to PNG who need funds for travel or customs fees
Investment scams
- Ponzi-style 'money multiplication' schemes circulating within church and community groups
- Crypto investment pitches promising guaranteed returns shared via Facebook groups
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank or mobile-money provider (BSP, Kina Bank, Digicel, bmobile) immediately to freeze the account or SIM
- Report the incident to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary at the nearest police station
- Keep all transaction records, SMS messages and screenshots as evidence
- If you are a foreign visitor, notify your embassy or consulate in Port Moresby for guidance
- Warn your community/church group if the scam is circulating locally to limit further victims
Local reporting & protection links
- Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
- Police emergency — Dial 000 or 111
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Call your bank's fraud line or mobile-money provider (BSP, Kina Bank, Digicel, bmobile) immediately to freeze the account or SIM and request a transaction reversal where possible; act fast since mobile-money transfers clear quickly.
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 fake police checkpoints common in PNG?
Yes, incidents of individuals impersonating police or officials to demand cash fines have been reported; ask for identification and, where safe, insist on going to a police station rather than paying on the spot.
Is mobile money safe in PNG?
Mobile money is widely used and generally reliable, but PIN-theft and phishing SMS impersonating providers are common; never share your PIN or one-time codes with anyone.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance