Fake Police Scams in Georgia
Fraudsters impersonate Georgian police officers or prosecutors to extort payments from residents under the threat of fabricated criminal investigations.
Part of: Fake Police Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Phone-based impersonation of law enforcement is a growing problem in Georgia. Callers posing as Georgian National Police, prosecutors, or financial intelligence officers claim that the victim is under investigation for money laundering, tax evasion, or online fraud. The goal is to intimidate the victim into paying a 'fine' or 'compliance fee' to avoid arrest.
These scams exploit residual institutional anxiety and are particularly effective against older residents or recent immigrants who may have less confidence in asserting their rights when faced with an apparently authoritative caller.
How this scam works on Georgia
A call arrives claiming to be from the Georgian Police or the Prosecutor's Office. The caller cites a case number and states that the victim's bank account or personal details have been linked to criminal activity. To 'avoid arrest' or 'clear their name', the victim must transfer a sum to a specified account immediately.
Some callers already hold partial personal information — name, address, or ID number — which makes the call seem credible. Victims are told not to speak to family members or lawyers until the matter is resolved, to prevent outside interference.
In more sophisticated variants, a second caller pretending to be a lawyer offers to 'help' the victim navigate the process for an additional fee — a double-extraction scheme.
Common red flags
- An unexpected call from someone claiming to be Georgian Police demands immediate payment.
- The caller insists you must not tell family or consult a lawyer.
- Payment is requested by bank transfer to a personal account rather than an official state account.
- The caller has some personal information but presses you for more details as the call progresses.
- A second caller — supposedly a lawyer — emerges offering to resolve the same case for a fee.
- The threat of immediate arrest is used to create panic and prevent rational decision-making.
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and call the Georgian Police on the official number 112 to verify any alleged investigation.
- Real police and prosecutors do not demand payment by phone — this is always a scam.
- Never transfer money to resolve an alleged legal matter without consulting an independent lawyer.
- Do not provide additional personal information to an unsolicited caller, regardless of claimed authority.
- Tell family members about the call immediately — scammers specifically tell victims not to do this.
How to report it
- Call 112 to report the impersonation to Georgian Police and provide the caller's number.
- Report to the Georgian State Security Service if state authority is being impersonated.
- File a statement at your local police station for a formal record.
Frequently asked questions
Would Georgian Police ever call and ask for payment over the phone?
No. Official fines and legal matters are handled through formal written processes. A phone call demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest is invariably a scam.