Fake Police Scams in Bahrain
Criminals impersonating Bahraini police officers and government officials pressure residents into making immediate payments to avoid fabricated legal consequences.
Part of: Fake Police Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake police and government authority scams are reported among both Bahraini nationals and the large expatriate community. Callers claim to be officers from the Bahrain Police, the Public Prosecution, or immigration authorities and tell the victim that their bank account, residency permit, or identity documents have been linked to criminal activity.
Victims — especially newly arrived migrant workers unfamiliar with local legal norms — are threatened with deportation, arrest, or asset freezing unless they pay an immediate fine or transfer funds to a 'secure' account controlled by the scammer.
How this scam works on Bahrain
A call arrives from a spoofed number that appears to be from an official Bahraini government department. The caller uses formal Arabic or English and references real department names and legal processes. The victim is told that their account has been compromised in a money laundering investigation and they must cooperate urgently.
The victim is instructed to transfer funds to a 'secure escrow account' while the investigation is completed, or to purchase gift cards and read out the codes to 'pay a release fee'. Any attempt to verify the call is discouraged with threats of immediate arrest if the victim contacts their bank or lawyer independently.
Expats are disproportionately targeted because they may be uncertain of their legal rights in Bahrain and fear losing their residence permits.
Common red flags
- Unexpected official-sounding call demanding immediate financial action
- Caller threatens arrest or deportation as an immediate consequence of non-payment
- Instructions to transfer to an unfamiliar account or purchase gift cards
- Caller discourages you from hanging up to independently verify the situation
- Claim that your identity or account is linked to a criminal investigation you know nothing about
- Caller refuses to provide a verifiable case or reference number
How to protect yourself
- Real police in Bahrain do not demand payments by phone
- Hang up and call the official Bahrain Police number (999 or 17717000) to verify
- Do not transfer funds or purchase gift cards based on any unsolicited phone demand
- Ask your employer or a trusted contact familiar with Bahraini law before acting
- Report the spoofed number to the Bahrain Police Cybercrime Unit
How to report it
- Report to the Bahrain Police via 999 or the cybercrime complaint portal at bahrain.bh
- Contact the Public Prosecution directly if a Public Prosecution impersonation is claimed
- Report to the Information and eGovernment Authority if digital government channels were used
Frequently asked questions
I am an expat in Bahrain and a caller said my visa is linked to criminal activity. What should I do?
Hang up. Real immigration authorities do not demand payments over the phone. Visit the LMRA or General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence directly to verify your visa status.