Serbia Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
A guide to scams in Serbia covering tourist fraud, online phishing and investment schemes, with guidance on reporting to Serbian authorities.
Emergency number: 192 (police), 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Serbia is a growing destination for digital nomads and tourists, with Novi Sad and Belgrade attracting increasing numbers of visitors. While most experiences are positive, online fraud is rising and the country has documented cybercrime challenges. The Prosecutor for Hi-Tech Crime and the Ministry of Interior (MUP) are responsible for cybercrime, and cybercrime.rs provides an independent reporting platform. All cybercrime in Serbia is prosecuted ex officio, meaning prosecutors act without waiting for a victim to file charges.
Common scams
- Online investment and crypto fraud promoted through social media
- Phishing impersonating Serbian banks and payment services
- Romance scams targeting foreign visitors and online users
- Fake e-commerce and marketplace fraud
Tourist-specific scams
- Taxi overcharging particularly at Belgrade airport (Nikola Tesla)
- Fake currency exchange booths near tourist areas in Belgrade
- Overpriced drinks in nightlife venues with hidden cover charges
- Pickpocketing in Skadarlija and busy outdoor markets
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating Banca Intesa, Raiffeisen and other Serbian banks
- Fake online classifieds and marketplace listings taking payment without delivering
- Parcel delivery smishing impersonating Post of Serbia
Job scams
- Fake overseas job ads targeting young Serbians seeking work abroad
- Task scams paying small amounts then demanding deposits to continue earning
Romance scams
- Long-running online relationships culminating in money transfer requests
- Pig-butchering investment scams initiated through dating apps or social media
Investment scams
- Fraudulent Forex and crypto platforms targeting Serbian investors
- Pyramid schemes exploiting social networks and community trust
How to report a scam here
- Report cybercrime online at cybercrime.rs or to any police station — cases are forwarded to the Prosecutor for Hi-Tech Crime
- Call 192 or visit the nearest Ministry of Interior (MUP) station for urgent cases
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts and dispute transactions
- Preserve all digital evidence — screenshots, transaction IDs and contact details
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 or its official app. Explain that you were deceived into authorising the payment, ask for the account to be frozen, the transfer disputed and the receiving account reported, and make a note of the reference. Serbian banks are subject to National Bank of Serbia oversight and must investigate fraud complaints, so file a police case reference, either at cybercrime.rs or any station, and provide it to your bank. Mention any codes you passed on or remote-access sessions you allowed.
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 does Serbia handle cybercrime reporting?
Serbia prosecutes cybercrime ex officio — meaning the Prosecutor for Hi-Tech Crime can act without a formal victim complaint. You can report via cybercrime.rs or to any police station. The police are obliged to receive your report and forward it to the competent authority.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance