Scam in GeorgiaShopping
Suspiciously cheap or counterfeit wine and mineral water in Georgia
How it works
Some very cheap wine may be made from wine powder rather than being what buyers expect. Counterfeit wine and mineral water were once widespread, but sales are described as having almost disappeared after action against them. Treat this as a remaining buying risk rather than a widespread current scam.
Warning signs
- Wine is priced unbelievably cheaply.
- A small seller cannot clearly explain what the product is.
How to avoid it
- Buy bottled wine and mineral water from large supermarkets.
- Be cautious about wine that is much cheaper than comparable products.
- Check the product and label before buying.
If it happens to you
- 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 suspiciously cheap or counterfeit wine and mineral water scam in Georgia?
Some very cheap wine may be made from wine powder rather than being what buyers expect. Counterfeit wine and mineral water were once widespread, but sales are described as having almost disappeared after action against them. Treat this as a remaining buying risk rather than a widespread current scam.
How can I spot it early?
Wine is priced unbelievably cheaply. A small seller cannot clearly explain what the product is.
How do I avoid suspiciously cheap or counterfeit wine and mineral water in Georgia?
Buy bottled wine and mineral water from large supermarkets. Be cautious about wine that is much cheaper than comparable products. Check the product and label before buying.
Where in Georgia does this happen?
Wine and mineral-water purchases throughout Georgia, particularly from smaller sellers.
How common is this scam in Georgia?
Occasional. 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: tourist-area shop and restaurant markups, souvenirs with limited local authenticity.
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