Tanzania Scams: Tourist, Mobile Money & Online Fraud Guide
Common scams in Tanzania and how to report them to the Tanzania Police Force and your bank or mobile money provider.
Emergency number: 112 (police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Tanzania is a major tourist destination — home to Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and the Serengeti — and widespread mobile money use (particularly M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa) makes it a target for mobile money fraud, fake safari operators, and online scams. The Tanzania Police Force handles criminal complaints via its Criminal Investigation Division and operates an emergency line on 112. Reporting mobile money fraud to your provider immediately gives the best chance of halting a fraudulent transaction. Online shopping fraud and investment scams are growing alongside Tanzania's expanding digital economy.
Common scams
- Mobile money fraud — social engineering to authorise transfers via M-Pesa or Tigo Pesa
- Fake safari operators taking deposits for nonexistent tours
- Online shopping non-delivery via social media
- Investment and pyramid scheme fraud
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial and overcharging taxi and tuk-tuk operators
- Fake tour guides and safari operators on social media
- Gem and souvenir overpricing and counterfeit goods
- Beach hawker pressure sales in Zanzibar
Online shopping scams
- Fake online shops and social media marketplace fraud
- Phishing targeting mobile banking credentials
- Crypto investment and 'AI trading' platform scams
Job scams
- Fake overseas job offers requiring upfront payment for visas or documents
- Task scams via Telegram or WhatsApp
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance with escalating requests for mobile money transfers
- Social media relationships leading to cryptocurrency investment requests
Investment scams
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes promising unrealistic returns
- Fake crypto and forex trading platforms
How to report a scam here
- Report mobile money fraud to your provider immediately — M-Pesa: *150*00#; Tigo Pesa: contact Tigo care on 0714-400-400
- Call the police emergency line 112 or visit the nearest Tanzania Police Force station
- Report to the Tanzania Police Force Criminal Investigation Division at polisi.go.tz
- Preserve all evidence: mobile money transaction references, phone numbers, screenshots
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Report mobile money fraud to your provider immediately — speed is critical as funds may still be reversible before the recipient withdraws. Also contact your bank if a bank account was involved.
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 M-Pesa fraud in Tanzania?
Dial *150*00# to access M-Pesa customer care or call Vodacom Tanzania customer service. Also report to the Tanzania Police Force by calling 112 or visiting the nearest police station. Preserve the transaction reference number as evidence.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance