Rwanda Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams affecting tourists and residents in Rwanda, with official reporting routes through the Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Investigation Bureau.
Emergency number: 112 (police), 166 (cybercrime hotline) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Rwanda is one of Africa's most digitally connected and governance-conscious countries, yet scams still affect both residents and the growing number of tourists visiting Kigali and the gorilla-trekking areas. Phishing, investment fraud, fake job ads and romance scams are the dominant online threats, while tourists face overpricing and unofficial tour-guide approaches. The Rwanda National Police at police.gov.rw, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau at rib.gov.rw, and the dedicated cybercrime hotline 166 are the official reporting channels.
Common scams
- Phishing messages impersonating Rwandan banks or mobile money services
- Investment and crypto fraud promoted via social media
- Fake job ads requiring advance registration fees
- Romance scams escalating to investment or money requests
Tourist-specific scams
- Overpriced informal taxis at Kigali airport and tourist areas
- Unofficial gorilla-trekking permit sellers charging inflated fees
- Distraction theft in Kigali markets
Online shopping scams
- Fake mobile money request messages impersonating MTN MoMo or Airtel Money
- Social media marketplace scams with no goods delivered
- Phishing links targeting online banking or MoMo credentials
Job scams
- Fake overseas job ads requiring advance fees or document copies
- Task scams via messaging apps escalating into deposit demands
Romance scams
- Dating-app grooming escalating to crypto investment requests
- Fake online partners seeking emergency wire transfers
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms promoted on social media
- Pig-butchering combining romance with fabricated investment portals
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank or mobile money provider immediately to freeze accounts
- Call the dedicated cybercrime toll-free hotline 166
- Report via the Rwanda National Police online portal at police.gov.rw
- For serious financial crimes contact the Rwanda Investigation Bureau at rib.gov.rw
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 to freeze affected accounts. Obtain a police case number from police.gov.rw or the RIB for any formal bank or mobile-money 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
What is the Rwanda Investigation Bureau and when should I contact them?
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at rib.gov.rw handles serious criminal investigations including cybercrime and financial fraud. If your case involves significant monetary loss or organised fraud, you can file directly with the RIB in addition to reporting to the Rwanda National Police via the 166 hotline.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance