Saudi Arabia Scams: Online, Banking & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Saudi Arabia and how to report them via the National Portal, NCA, and your bank.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Saudi Arabia faces online fraud including phishing targeting banking apps and digital wallets, investment scams, online shopping fraud, and job-offer scams. The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) is the primary cybersecurity body and accepts incident reports via nca.gov.sa. Cyber crime can also be reported via the national government portal my.gov.sa. Saudi Arabia has a dedicated Anti-Cyber Crime Law and strong enforcement through the General Directorate of Investigation. Residents should be aware that impersonation of government officials and financial institutions is a known tactic used to extract funds or personal data. Acting quickly with your bank remains the most important step after any suspected fraud.
Common scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating Saudi banks or government portals
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Online shopping non-delivery via fake sites
- Job-offer scams requiring upfront visa or processing fees
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unofficial transport services
- Fake tour operators and overpriced services
Online shopping scams
- Phishing targeting Absher, banking apps, or email credentials
- Fake online shops and classified listings
- Social media account hijacking and impersonation
Job scams
- Fake recruitment requiring upfront visa, medical, or processing payments
- Task scams via messaging apps
Romance scams
- Dating-app and social media romance leading to financial requests
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
- High-yield investment and pyramid scheme fraud
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Report cybercrime via the National Portal at my.gov.sa/en/services/398352
- Report cybersecurity incidents to the NCA at nca.gov.sa/en/report-incident/
- For emergencies, call 911
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 its official hotline — do not use a number provided by a suspected scammer. Saudi banks can attempt to hold or recall fraudulent transfers if notified quickly. No legitimate government official or bank will contact you demanding immediate transfers or personal credentials by phone.
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 cybercrime in Saudi Arabia?
Report cybercrime via the national government portal at my.gov.sa/en/services/398352, or submit a cybersecurity incident to the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) at nca.gov.sa/en/report-incident/. For urgent matters, call 911.
Are job offers requiring upfront visa fees legitimate in Saudi Arabia?
Generally no. Legitimate employers and licensed recruitment agencies do not require candidates to pay visa processing or medical fees upfront. Verify any job offer through official channels and be suspicious of requests for advance payments.
What is the Anti-Cyber Crime Law?
Saudi Arabia's Anti-Cyber Crime Law criminalises unauthorised access, data interference, identity fraud, and online financial crimes. Violations carry significant penalties including imprisonment and fines, and enforcement is handled by the General Directorate of Investigation (Mabahith).
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance