Crypto Scams in Serbia
Cryptocurrency fraud in Serbia targets retail investors with fake exchange platforms, influencer-promoted pump-and-dump tokens, and phishing attacks on crypto wallets.
Part of: Crypto Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Serbia has seen rapid growth in cryptocurrency interest, with a young, tech-savvy urban population in Belgrade and Novi Sad actively investing in digital assets. Scammers have responded with a wave of fake crypto exchange platforms, pump-and-dump token promotions on Instagram and YouTube, and phishing attacks designed to drain wallets.
The National Bank of Serbia has issued warnings about unregulated crypto operators, but awareness remains uneven. Serbian-language crypto scam content is growing, with fraudsters increasingly localising their operations to appear more credible to Serbian audiences.
How this scam works on Serbia
Fake crypto platforms promote themselves through targeted Instagram and YouTube advertisements in Serbian, often using testimonials from Serbian-sounding users. Victims deposit funds, see fabricated gains, then find withdrawals blocked by compliance fees or platform 'glitches'.
Influencer-promoted pump-and-dump schemes target Serbia's gaming and streaming communities, where social media influencers — real or fake — push obscure tokens that spike briefly before collapsing. Victims who buy at the peak hold worthless tokens.
Phishing emails and SMS messages impersonate popular international exchanges (Binance, Coinbase) to steal login credentials, with messages increasingly appearing in Serbian to reduce victim scepticism.
Common red flags
- A crypto platform promises guaranteed monthly returns or unusually high fixed interest on deposits.
- The platform is not listed on any recognised regulatory register.
- A Serbian-language influencer promotes an obscure token with urgency.
- Withdrawals are blocked pending compliance or tax fees.
- Phishing emails from 'Binance' or 'Coinbase' arrive in Serbian requesting credential re-entry.
How to protect yourself
- Use only internationally recognised, regulated exchanges — check ESMA and MiCA-registered operator lists.
- Treat all guaranteed-return crypto offers as fraudulent.
- Enable two-factor authentication via an authenticator app on all exchange accounts.
- Verify influencer endorsements by checking the influencer's track record independently.
- Never enter exchange credentials via links in emails — navigate directly to the exchange website.
How to report it
- Report to CERT Serbia at [email protected] for phishing incidents.
- File a complaint with the Serbian Securities Commission for investment fraud.
- Report to the Ministry of Interior cybercrime unit if funds have been stolen.
Frequently asked questions
Is crypto regulated in Serbia?
Serbia's Digital Asset Law provides a regulatory framework for crypto service providers. However, many fraudulent platforms operate without registration. Always check whether a platform is registered under Serbian digital asset regulations before depositing.