Scam in IraqShopping
Bootleg DVDs in Iraq
How it works
Many DVDs are bootlegs. Their quality varies, so the disc may not match your expectations.
Warning signs
- The DVD is sold by a street vendor.
- You cannot check the recording quality before buying.
How to avoid it
- Treat DVDs from street vendors as potentially unofficial copies.
- Ask to test the disc before paying.
- Skip the purchase if quality matters and you cannot check it.
If it happens to you
Ask for a refund or exchange if safe. Avoid an argument over a small purchase.
- Move to a safer place. Avoid chasing anyone or escalating an argument.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount and any vehicle or seller details.
- Save receipts, messages and other evidence. Photograph relevant items only when safe.
- If a card or account is affected, contact the issuer immediately to block access and dispute unauthorised charges.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer and, for lost travel documents or serious threats, your embassy or consulate. Emergency services in Iraq may be unreliable.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- WebWikivoyageBaghdad – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community-written Baghdad guide reports that many DVDs sold by street vendors are unauthorized copies of inconsistent quality.Read on Web
- News2004In Iraq, counterfeit items sold at exchangesSoldiers interviewed in Iraq reported buying bootleg DVDs at military-base shops, including poor-quality copies filmed inside cinemas, although the article concerns military customers rather than tourists.Read on News
Questions
What is the bootleg DVDs scam in Iraq?
Many DVDs are bootlegs. Their quality varies, so the disc may not match your expectations.
How can I spot it early?
The DVD is sold by a street vendor. You cannot check the recording quality before buying.
How do I avoid bootleg DVDs in Iraq?
Treat DVDs from street vendors as potentially unofficial copies. Ask to test the disc before paying. Skip the purchase if quality matters and you cannot check it.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a refund or exchange if safe. Avoid an argument over a small purchase.
Where in Iraq does this happen?
DVD sellers in Baghdad, especially street vendors. It has been reported in Baghdad.
How common is this scam in Iraq?
Common. The main money risks described in Iraq are overpriced rugs, bootleg DVDs, counterfeit or obsolete banknotes, and taxi charges added after a fare is agreed. There is no reliable measure of how often visitors face these problems. Serious security threats, including financially motivated kidnapping, are separate from everyday scams and can be much more dangerous.
Are there similar scams in Iraq?
Yes: overpriced or poor-quality rugs.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report fraud, theft, kidnapping threats or other crimes when safe. Give the location, timeline and evidence, and request a report or reference number. Emergency services may be unreliable or inadequate. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or verified contact details to report affected cards, block access and discuss disputed transactions. Ask a bank for advice about suspected counterfeit notes. Embassy or consulate: use official contact details for help with lost travel documents, serious threats or kidnapping. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report.
Reviewed by @snuck