Iraq Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Iraq's reconstruction-era economy has drawn fake oil, land and reconstruction investment schemes, alongside checkpoint and currency-exchange fraud affecting travelers.
Emergency number: 104 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 5 July 2026
Iraq's ongoing reconstruction and oil wealth attract a steady stream of fraudulent investment pitches referencing government contracts, oil-field partnerships, or land deals in Baghdad and Erbil that turn out to be forged or nonexistent. Land title fraud is a particular concern given decades of displacement and unclear property records. Visitors, still relatively few outside the Kurdistan Region, most often encounter currency exchange short-changing and inflated informal fees from fixers at checkpoints or border crossings, while online scams increasingly target Iraqis through fake government subsidy or salary payment schemes.
Common scams
- Fake oil-sector or reconstruction contract investment offers requiring upfront 'registration' fees
- Land title fraud involving forged ownership documents, especially amid unresolved displacement claims
- Fake government subsidy, pension or salary payment messages requesting personal banking details
- Advance-fee scams referencing supposed frozen funds or inheritance tied to Iraqi officials
Tourist-specific scams
- Currency exchange short-changing using old or damaged Iraqi dinar notes
- Unofficial fixers at checkpoints and border crossings demanding informal fees for 'facilitation'
- Overcharging by taxi drivers, particularly in Baghdad and at Erbil International Airport
Online shopping scams
- Phishing texts and calls impersonating Iraqi banks or government ministries requesting account verification
- Facebook and Telegram deals for vehicles, phones or property requiring deposits before any viewing
- Fake job or scholarship portals collecting fees and personal documents for opportunities that don't exist
Job scams
- Recruitment agents charging large fees for oil-sector or security contractor jobs that never materialize
- Fake NGO and reconstruction-project hiring notices requesting upfront 'registration' payments
Romance scams
- Online relationships, often with people claiming to be foreign contractors or military personnel, escalating to money requests
- Scammers building trust over months before requesting funds for a supposed emergency or travel to meet in person
Investment scams
- Unregistered oil-field or reconstruction-project 'shares' sold to diaspora and foreign investors
- Cryptocurrency and forex trading schemes promoted through social media promising fixed high returns
How to report a scam here
- Stop payment immediately and contact your bank branch to report unauthorized transactions
- Report the incident to the local police station or Iraq's cybercrime directorate
- If land or property fraud is suspected, seek verification through the local real estate registration directorate before any further payment
- If scammed from abroad, also report to your home country's fraud reporting body
- Preserve all documents, messages and payment records as evidence
Local reporting & protection links
- Iraqi Police — Report in person at the nearest police station; dial 104 for police emergencies
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Report unauthorized transactions to your bank branch immediately and file a complaint with the local police cybercrime directorate to support any dispute.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Are land deals in Iraq risky for buyers?
Yes; verify property ownership through the official real estate registration directorate before paying, as forged titles and disputed ownership are common given decades of displacement.
Are oil-sector investment offers from Iraq trustworthy?
Treat unsolicited oil or reconstruction investment offers with strong skepticism and verify any company or contract through Iraq's Ministry of Oil before sending money.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance