Paraguay Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
A guide to scams in Paraguay, from street fraud targeting visitors to online investment and job scams, with official reporting steps.
Emergency number: 911 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Paraguay is a landlocked South American country with a small but growing digital economy. While it sees fewer international tourists than its neighbours, fraud risks include counterfeit goods scams in the border shopping hub of Ciudad del Este, taxi overcharging, and a rising tide of online scams as internet penetration increases. Paraguay's CERT-PY handles cybersecurity incidents, while the Policía Nacional handles criminal fraud. Reporting cybercrime formally remains challenging due to limited dedicated legislation.
Common scams
- Counterfeit goods and short-change scams in Ciudad del Este markets
- Online investment fraud promoted through social media
- Fake job recruitment targeting young workers
- Romance scams via dating apps and social media
Tourist-specific scams
- Taxi overcharging at Asuncion airport and bus terminals
- Counterfeit currency passed by street money changers
- Fake local guides demanding payment at tourist sites
- Pickpocketing in Asuncion markets and crowded areas
Online shopping scams
- Fake e-commerce stores not delivering goods
- WhatsApp phishing impersonating banks or government services
- Advance-fee fraud promising lottery winnings or unclaimed inheritances
Job scams
- Overseas job offers requiring upfront fees for visas or training
- Fake domestic employment ads collecting personal data or deposits
Romance scams
- Extended online relationships culminating in money transfer requests
- Pig-butchering scams where romance leads to fake crypto investment platforms
Investment scams
- Unregulated crypto and Forex platforms promising guaranteed returns
- Multi-level marketing schemes presented as legitimate investment opportunities
How to report a scam here
- Call 911 or visit the nearest Policía Nacional del Paraguay station to file a formal complaint
- Gather and preserve all digital evidence before reporting
- Contact your bank immediately to block transactions and begin a dispute
- Report cybersecurity incidents to CERT-PY for technical follow-up
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's fraud line as soon as possible to freeze affected accounts. Bring a copy of your police complaint (denuncia) when filing a 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
Where do most scams in Paraguay happen?
Ciudad del Este near the Brazil-Argentina border is a hotspot for counterfeit goods and market scams. Asuncion sees taxi fraud and petty theft. Online scams are a growing nationwide problem as internet access expands.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance