Moldova launches nationwide campaign to fight online scams

The Republic of Moldova marks European Cybersecurity Awareness Month with the launch of a nationwide campaign addressing one of the most alarming challenges of recent years: online fraud. Carried out under the motto “Stop Fake Investments!”, the initiative responds to the sharp rise in financial crimes committed in the digital sphere, with cases in 2025 nearly doubling compared to 2023. The campaign aims to raise public awareness, encourage vigilance, and promote safer online behaviors among citizens.

“This campaign is not just a warning message, but a concrete action launched by the National Police to protect citizens. The prevention and warning messages will be everywhere – in stations, markets, public transport, and even broadcast from police cars. We want every citizen, no matter where they are, to hear our call for vigilance and understand that together we can stop fraud. The National Police will continue to stand on the front line, not only through investigations and prosecution of offenders but also by educating people, so that no false promise can harm our citizens,” said Viorel Cernăuțeanu, Head of the National Police.

The most common online fraud schemes encountered in the Republic of Moldova include:

• Investment scams on the financial market (cryptocurrencies)
• Fraud involving the sale of personal goods, both domestically and abroad
• Scams committed by individuals posing as employees of commercial banks
• “Business E-mail Compromise” (BEC) – attacks in which official e-mail communications between companies are intercepted and manipulated
• Phishing and Smishing – attempts to obtain personal and financial data through fraudulent e-mails or SMS messages

“Behind these figures are real stories of people who lost their savings. In just one year, the damages caused by online fraud have nearly tripled – from 73 million to over 211 million lei. According to national statistics, in 2025 more than 1,225 financial-banking crimes were recorded online, compared to 832 similar cases in 2024. This is a clear warning that each of us must be much more cautious in the digital space,” stated Iurie Roșca, Head of the Cybercrime Investigation Unit within the General Police Inspectorate.

Estonia’s experience, as one of the world leaders in cybersecurity, is being shared in Moldova through the expertise of the e-Governance Academy (eGA). International experts will present best practices for preventing online scams and, most importantly, effective ways of communicating with citizens so that they are better informed and protected.

„Republic of Moldova has been one of our closest partners in cybersecurity cooperation for many years. Through our joint work we have seen not only strong political will, but real dedication from professionals across institutions who care about protecting their citizens online. This is why the European Union continues to invest in Moldova’s cyber resilience, and why eGA is proud to support campaigns like ‘Stop Fake Investments!’. Awareness is the first line of defence, and Moldova is showing leadership by speaking openly about risks and acting before more people fall victim,” highlighted Ene Višnev, Senior Cybersecurity Expert at eGA. 

The campaign will run from October to November and includes a wide range of awareness activities: distribution of educational materials (flyers, manuals), social advertising campaigns in public spaces, shops, taxis, and billboards in 11 localities across the country. Audio warning messages will be broadcast in bus stations, public transport, and markets, while social spots will air on the most popular radio stations in Moldova.

The online environment will also play a central role: a series of satirical videos, featuring local influencers, will expose the most common fraud schemes, delivering a clear message – “Don’t get fooled!”

“Everyone has a phone in their hand and shares information. That means power, but also responsibility. Beyond the advantages of the digital world, we must remain vigilant and aware of the risks. Protecting people from these dangers is not just the duty of the authorities – it is a responsibility we all share,” said Lilu Ojovan, influencer and opinion leader.

The campaign is organised by the e-Governance Academy of Estonia and the General Police Inspectorate, with financial support from the project “Moldova Cybersecurity Rapid Assistance 2.0”, funded by the European Union.