Scams in Albania You Need to Know About (Before It’s Too Late)

Scams aren’t limited to shady corners of the internet or faraway countries anymore. Sadly, they’ve evolved with social media, AI, fake online stores….and Albania isn’t immune. While most people here are honest and warm, scammers are getting creative and bolder.

Whether you’re a tourist, expat, or local, here’s what you need to watch out for.

The “Zara Box” Giveaway Scam

I’ve just recently seen this post on Instagram: Zara is “giving away” boxes of clothes, shoes, and purses to clear warehouse space. Sounds amazing, right? At first, I thought it was legit, but soon after having a quick look, I could tell it had SCAM written all over it.

Let’s break it down:

• The account name usually looks slightly off (like “Zara Boxes ALB”) and it doesn’t lead you into any Instagram page
• The post has a weird comment section
• You’re asked to “Apply Now” through sketchy links

Always refer to the brand’s official page or website for purchases.

The Fake Post Office Message

You get a text: “Your package has arrived but can’t be delivered due to missing info…”

It might look like it’s from the post office, but if you look closely at the sender, it’s a random email or suspicious number.

What happens if you click the link? You could end up on a phishing site designed to steal your personal info or banking credentials.

✔ Stay safe: Never click links in unexpected messages. Real companies won’t ask for your personal info over SMS.

Online Shop Scams

You order a cute outfit from a local Instagram store…and you get something completely different. Worse, the page might even block you when you try to complain. This has never happened to me personally, but I know it has happened to others. I don’t think it’s common, however, it’s a sign for you to be aware of such cases.

Tip: Check reviews. Ask for videos. Pay by cash. Usually, when you purchase items on online stores on platforms like Instagram, in Albania, you pay by cash after the order arrives.

The “You’ve Inherited…” or “You’ve Won…” Texts

Your long-lost uncle from Canada just left you €1 million? Sounds amazing. Except… It’s fake. All these type of texts, whether from a “long-lost relative”, someone who might know your family tree, or someone claiming you suddenly “won the lottery”… are definitely scams.

Accommodation Scams

You book a place online, and it looks amazing in the photos. But when you arrive, it’s… not even close. I saw a traveller’s story who shared her experience on TikTok how her accommodation looked nothing like the photo, and turned out to be a building behind a parking lot.

This also applies to rentals in Tirana that seem to be in a good location, for a good price, only to find the actual location is further away from that claimed in the posting.

Tip: Stick to platforms with verified reviews, and always use maps to cross-check the address.

Real Estate Scams

There are people who might try selling a fake apartment to you…of course, demanding a x% deposit before letting you view the apartment first. The property photos might be stolen from a website in a whole different country.

Never transfer money without a notarized agreement. Always work with licensed agents or verified platforms.

Fake Airport Luggage Sales

You might see a Facebook ad: “Unclaimed luggage from Tirana Airport, only 199 lekë!”
Sounds tempting, but the comments are full of spam and broken Albanian.

It’s likely a phishing trap or scam site. Don’t fall for it.

Too-Good-To-Be-True Jobs

Some posts offer dream jobs with no experience needed, flexible hours, and amazing pay… but ask you to DM them on WhatsApp.

Scammy pages often target:

• Expats
• Students
• Stay-at-home parents

⚠ If the job ad sounds like it was copied from a fairy tale…scroll away.

Crypto Wallet “Receiver” Scams

You get a message saying:

We need someone with a verified wallet to receive $10 million. First transaction will be $100k…

No, they’re not about to make you rich. They’re about to make you a money mule or get access to your wallet.

Block. Report. Move on.

Scammers Who Post in Perfect Albanian…

They’ll send messages in flawless Albanian, often about loans, debt help, or urgent financial support. But their emails or offers are suspicious:

I’m a German lender offering up to €500,000 with low interest. Trust me, I’m reliable.

Yeah… no.

Final Tips to Stay Safe:

• Never pay before seeing the product, person, or place
• Avoid clicking links from unknown senders
• Always double-check usernames and URLs
• Don’t trust profiles with no personal photos, low followers, or generic bios
• Report suspicious activity on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp

Scams are getting smarter, but so can you.

If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut, ask around, and don’t let curiosity or desperation make you fall for it.

Have you experienced a scam in Albania? Share your story in the comments or message us, we want to raise awareness.