Fake Police Scams in Estonia
Callers impersonating Estonian police or prosecutors warn victims their account is compromised and pressure them to move savings to a 'safe account' or hand over cash.
Part of: Fake Police Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake police scams target residents across Estonia, especially older people in Tallinn, Tartu, and regional towns. A caller claims to be from the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board or the prosecutor's office, warns that the victim's identity or account is part of an investigation, and demands urgent action to protect their money.
The scam relies on authority, fear, and pressure. Victims are told to keep the matter secret and follow instructions precisely — instructions that end with their savings in the criminals' hands.
How this scam works on Estonia
The call often uses a spoofed number resembling a genuine police line. The supposed officer says the victim's account is linked to fraud or laundering and that, to safeguard the funds, the money must be transferred to a 'secure account' or withdrawn as cash and handed to a 'trusted courier'.
Victims may be kept on the line for hours and warned not to discuss the call with bank staff, who are falsely portrayed as possibly complicit. Some are told to lie about the purpose of a large withdrawal.
In Estonia the scam frequently pairs a fake police caller with a second 'bank security' voice, sometimes conducted in Russian, and may send forged documents bearing police or court letterheads via messaging apps.
Common red flags
- A caller claiming to be Estonian police or a prosecutor demanding urgent account action
- Instructions to move savings to a 'safe account' or hand cash to a courier
- Pressure to keep the call secret from bank staff and family
- A spoofed caller ID that looks like a genuine police or government number
- Forged documents with police or court letterheads sent via a messaging app
- Being told to lie to your bank about why you are withdrawing money
- Threats of arrest or asset freezing unless you comply immediately
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and call the police or your bank back on a number you find independently
- Know that real Estonian police never ask you to move money to a 'safe account'
- Never hand cash or cards to a courier sent by a caller
- Refuse to keep financial instructions secret — discuss them openly with your bank
- Take your time; genuine investigations do not require instant transfers
- Verify any official document through the organisation's published contact details
How to report it
- Report to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board via 112 or your local station
- Notify your bank immediately to freeze the account and attempt to recall transfers
- Report the spoofed number and any messages to your mobile operator
Frequently asked questions
Would the Estonian police ever ask me to move money for safekeeping?
No. Estonian police and prosecutors never ask the public to transfer savings to a 'safe account' or hand cash to a courier. Any caller making such a request is a fraudster — hang up and call the police back on a number you look up yourself.