Scam in MoldovaOnline bookings
Online romance scams in Moldova
How it works
Someone uses an online romantic connection to draw you into a financial scam. Visitors travelling to meet someone they first contacted online should take extra care.
Warning signs
- A romantic contact you met online starts asking for money.
- You feel pressured to make a financial commitment before meeting.
How to avoid it
- Do not send money to someone you know only online.
- Check their identity independently before arranging a visit.
- Keep control of your travel bookings and money.
If it happens to you
Stop sending money. Save the messages and payment records, and contact your bank or payment provider promptly.
- 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.
- Government advice2026Moldova travel adviceCanada reports romance scams through dating sites and social media and warns that travelling to Moldova to meet an online acquaintance can expose visitors to fraud.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Moldova Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralia warns that internet fraud originating in Moldova includes dating and marriage scams involving people met online.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the online romance scams scam in Moldova?
Someone uses an online romantic connection to draw you into a financial scam. Visitors travelling to meet someone they first contacted online should take extra care.
How can I spot it early?
A romantic contact you met online starts asking for money. You feel pressured to make a financial commitment before meeting.
How do I avoid online romance scams in Moldova?
Do not send money to someone you know only online. Check their identity independently before arranging a visit. Keep control of your travel bookings and money.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop sending money. Save the messages and payment records, and contact your bank or payment provider promptly.
Where in Moldova does this happen?
Online, including contact made before a visit
How common is this scam in Moldova?
Common. 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