Scam in IraqChanging money
Counterfeit or obsolete banknotes in Iraq
How it works
Counterfeit US dollar notes are a stated risk. Pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' notes should also not be accepted. Check notes before completing a cash transaction.
Warning signs
- A dinar note is a pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' note.
- A note's security features do not match those you have learned to check.
How to avoid it
- Learn the security features of Iraqi dinar and US dollar notes.
- Check notes before accepting them.
- Refuse pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' notes.
- Pay particular attention to US$5, US$10 and US$20 notes, which are specifically identified as counterfeit risks.
If it happens to you
Keep the suspect note separate and record where you received it. Seek advice from a bank or police rather than trying to spend it.
- 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.
- Government advice2026البنك المركزي العراقي يحذر من عمليات نصب واحتيال تمارس عبر أوراق نقدية مختلفةThe Central Bank of Iraq warned of fraud involving worthless withdrawn foreign banknotes, souvenir million-dollar notes and imitation dollars or dinars presented as genuine currency, without identifying tourists as victims.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2025البنك المركزي يجدد التحذير من تداول الأوراق النقدية الأجنبية المسحوبة من التداولThe Central Bank of Iraq reported that fraudsters entice people to exchange dinars for counterfeit or withdrawn foreign banknotes at inflated values using promises of investment profits.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the counterfeit or obsolete banknotes scam in Iraq?
Counterfeit US dollar notes are a stated risk. Pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' notes should also not be accepted. Check notes before completing a cash transaction.
How can I spot it early?
A dinar note is a pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' note. A note's security features do not match those you have learned to check.
How do I avoid counterfeit or obsolete banknotes in Iraq?
Learn the security features of Iraqi dinar and US dollar notes. Check notes before accepting them. Refuse pre-2004 'Saddam dinar' notes. Pay particular attention to US$5, US$10 and US$20 notes, which are specifically identified as counterfeit risks.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the suspect note separate and record where you received it. Seek advice from a bank or police rather than trying to spend it.
Where in Iraq does this happen?
When accepting Iraqi dinars or US dollars.
How common is this scam in Iraq?
Occasional. 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.
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