Scam in IraqOther tricks
Financially motivated kidnapping in Iraq
How it works
Foreign visitors can be targeted for kidnapping. In Baghdad, kidnappings are often financially motivated. Near the Kuwait entry point, insurgents may watch arriving travellers and target Western-looking people on the road. This is a serious security threat rather than an everyday tourist scam.
Warning signs
- Your route takes you outside Baghdad's International Zone.
- You plan to enter Iraq from Kuwait through Safwan and continue by road.
How to avoid it
- Avoid entering Iraq from Kuwait through Safwan.
- Avoid travel outside Baghdad's International Zone.
- Strongly consider hiring a local guide.
- For essential Baghdad travel, arrange professional security support.
If it happens to you
Prioritise survival and avoid sudden resistance that could increase danger. Anyone receiving a demand should contact police and the traveller's embassy urgently.
- 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 adviceSafety and security - Iraq travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice warns that kidnappings throughout Iraq can seek financial gain and explicitly identifies tourists among potential targets.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceIraq travel adviceCanadian travel advice reports that organized criminal groups operate throughout Iraq and that civilians are kidnapped for ransom as well as political or religious reasons.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the financially motivated kidnapping scam in Iraq?
Foreign visitors can be targeted for kidnapping. In Baghdad, kidnappings are often financially motivated. Near the Kuwait entry point, insurgents may watch arriving travellers and target Western-looking people on the road. This is a serious security threat rather than an everyday tourist scam.
How can I spot it early?
Your route takes you outside Baghdad's International Zone. You plan to enter Iraq from Kuwait through Safwan and continue by road.
How do I avoid financially motivated kidnapping in Iraq?
Avoid entering Iraq from Kuwait through Safwan. Avoid travel outside Baghdad's International Zone. Strongly consider hiring a local guide. For essential Baghdad travel, arrange professional security support.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Prioritise survival and avoid sudden resistance that could increase danger. Anyone receiving a demand should contact police and the traveller's embassy urgently.
Where in Iraq does this happen?
Baghdad, especially outside the International Zone, and the road after entering Iraq from Kuwait at the Safwan border crossing near Basra. It has been reported in Baghdad, Basra.
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