Scam in IraqShopping
Overpriced or poor-quality rugs in Iraq
How it works
Many rugs are heavily overpriced. Some are cheap Chinese-made rugs, so a high asking price does not mean high quality.
Warning signs
- The quality does not match the asking price.
- You have not been able to inspect the rug closely.
How to avoid it
- Inspect the rug before paying.
- Compare quality and prices at several sellers.
- Walk away if you cannot judge whether the price is fair.
If it happens to you
Ask the seller for a refund if it is safe to do so. Keep any receipt and photographs of the rug.
- 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.
Questions
What is the overpriced or poor-quality rugs scam in Iraq?
Many rugs are heavily overpriced. Some are cheap Chinese-made rugs, so a high asking price does not mean high quality.
How can I spot it early?
The quality does not match the asking price. You have not been able to inspect the rug closely.
How do I avoid overpriced or poor-quality rugs in Iraq?
Inspect the rug before paying. Compare quality and prices at several sellers. Walk away if you cannot judge whether the price is fair.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask the seller for a refund if it is safe to do so. Keep any receipt and photographs of the rug.
Where in Iraq does this happen?
Rug shops and stalls in Baghdad. 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: bootleg DVDs.
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