Romania Scams: Online, Banking & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Romania and how to report them to DNSC, the Romanian Police, and your bank.
Emergency number: 112 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Romania faces significant online fraud including phishing targeting banking apps, smishing impersonating Romanian Post or banks, investment scams, and marketplace fraud. The National Directorate of Cyber Security (DNSC, formerly CERT-RO) is Romania's primary cybersecurity authority and accepts incident reports. Criminal complaints are handled by the Romanian Police (Poliția Română) and, for organised cybercrime, by DIICOT (Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism). The National Consumer Protection Authority (ANPC) handles consumer rights complaints. Romania's emergency number is 112. Contacting your bank immediately after any suspected fraud is the most important first step.
Common scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating Romanian banks or Poșta Română
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Online marketplace (OLX) non-delivery and overpayment scams
- Card cloning and ATM skimming
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unlicensed taxis in Bucharest
- Fake tour operators and accommodation listings
Online shopping scams
- Parcel-fee smishing impersonating Poșta Română or Fan Courier
- Fake online shops and classified listings
- Account takeover phishing targeting banking credentials
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake overseas job offers requiring upfront fees
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and cryptocurrency investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and clone broker firms
- Crypto and 'AI bot' investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Report cybercrime to DNSC at dnsc.ro or email [email protected]
- File a criminal complaint with the Romanian Police at politiaromana.ro or at a local station
- For consumer fraud, report to ANPC at anpc.gov.ro
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 using the number on your card. Romanian banks can attempt to recall fraudulent transfers most effectively within the first few hours. No legitimate bank sends SMS messages asking you to click a link and enter your credentials.
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
What is DNSC in Romania?
DNSC (Directoratul Național de Securitate Cibernetică) is Romania's National Directorate of Cyber Security, responsible for preventing, analysing, and responding to cyber incidents. It was formerly known as CERT-RO and accepts public incident reports at dnsc.ro or [email protected].
How do I report cybercrime in Romania?
Report cybercrime to DNSC at dnsc.ro or [email protected]. For criminal matters, file a complaint with the Romanian Police at politiaromana.ro or at a local police station. DIICOT handles serious organised cybercrime.
Are OLX marketplace scams common in Romania?
Yes. Overpayment scams (where a 'buyer' sends more than the asking price and asks for a refund) and non-delivery scams are frequently reported on Romanian classified-ad sites. Only accept cash on delivery or use the platform's official payment protection where available.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance