Scam in GeorgiaTheft
Postal theft and high charges in Georgia
How it works
The government postal service is described as overpriced and unreliable, with many thefts and lost or damaged packages. The method of theft is not specified, and a missing parcel does not by itself prove theft.
Warning signs
- You are about to send something important through the government postal service.
How to avoid it
- Use a private postal company for important items.
- Keep the receipt and tracking details.
- Check available cover before sending valuables.
If it happens to you
Keep the posting records and ask the postal company to investigate. Report suspected theft to police.
- Get to a safe place. If you are threatened or need urgent police or ambulance help, call 112.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save the location, time, agreed price and amount paid.
- Keep receipts, booking details and screenshots. Record vehicle or venue details only if it is safe.
- If a card or phone was stolen, contact your card issuer and secure the affected accounts promptly. Ask about disputed payments where relevant.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
Questions
What is the postal theft and high charges scam in Georgia?
The government postal service is described as overpriced and unreliable, with many thefts and lost or damaged packages. The method of theft is not specified, and a missing parcel does not by itself prove theft.
How can I spot it early?
You are about to send something important through the government postal service.
How do I avoid postal theft and high charges in Georgia?
Use a private postal company for important items. Keep the receipt and tracking details. Check available cover before sending valuables.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the posting records and ask the postal company to investigate. Report suspected theft to police.
Where in Georgia does this happen?
The government postal service, discussed in the Tbilisi guidance.
How common is this scam in Georgia?
Common. Georgia is generally very safe for visitors. The main risks described here are taxi tricks, inflated tourist prices and a few serious bar scams in Tbilisi. Pickpocketing by young children is also a concern in part of Batumi.
Are there similar scams in Georgia?
Yes: child pickpockets around beggars.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for urgent help involving threats, theft or forced payment. For a non-urgent report, approach police and provide the location, time, payment details and any evidence. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Taxi app or transport company: report the ride through the app or company's support channel. Include the trip record, agreed fare and amount demanded. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, medical records and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need consular help. Postal company: for a missing or damaged parcel, submit the posting receipt and tracking details and request an investigation.
What number do I call in an emergency in Georgia?
Police: 112, Ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck