Scam in MoldovaOther tricks
Online business and financial scams in Moldova
How it works
A business contact or financial offer can be used to scam a visitor, especially when first contact happened online. No specific payment method or detailed scheme is described.
Warning signs
- An online business contact asks for money before you can verify the deal.
- You cannot independently confirm who you are dealing with.
How to avoid it
- Check the person and business through independent channels.
- Verify payment requests before transferring money.
- Do not let pressure replace basic checks.
If it happens to you
Stop further payments. Save the agreement, messages and transaction records, then contact your payment provider and police.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid chasing or confronting the person.
- Stop further payments. If a card or account is affected, contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
- Save messages, receipts, booking details and transaction records. Write down what happened while it is fresh.
- Report the scam or theft to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for your insurer.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing or you need help dealing with officials.
- Tell your insurer and any booking or payment platform involved. Keep copies of all reports.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the online business and financial scams scam in Moldova?
A business contact or financial offer can be used to scam a visitor, especially when first contact happened online. No specific payment method or detailed scheme is described.
How can I spot it early?
An online business contact asks for money before you can verify the deal. You cannot independently confirm who you are dealing with.
How do I avoid online business and financial scams in Moldova?
Check the person and business through independent channels. Verify payment requests before transferring money. Do not let pressure replace basic checks.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop further payments. Save the agreement, messages and transaction records, then contact your payment provider and police.
Where in Moldova does this happen?
Online, including contact made before a business visit
How common is this scam in Moldova?
Occasional. Crime rates in Moldova are relatively low, and most visitors face little trouble. The main risks described are online romance and business scams, taxi drivers leaving meters off, and occasional demands for bribes from officials. Police corruption aimed at foreigners is described as rare in Chișinău.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report scams, theft or extortion and provide any evidence you have. Ask for a written report or reference. Your embassy: use the embassy contact number you saved before travelling. Seek help with a missing passport or problems involving officials. Your bank, card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or verified contact number. Report the transaction promptly, freeze affected cards and ask whether recovery is possible. The platform used for contact or payment: report the account through the platform's reporting tools. Save the conversation before blocking the account. Your travel insurer: contact its claims service and keep receipts, transaction records and any police report.
Reviewed by @snuck