Question 1

What is the "Online Accommodation Listing Fraud" scam in Erbil?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent listings for short-term rentals and guesthouses in Erbil appear on international platforms and local Facebook groups, advertising apartments near Dream City or Ankawa at below-market rates. After a deposit is paid via Western Union, bank transfer, or mobile payment, the property either does not exist, is unavailable, or is significantly different from the photos. This scam targets visitors planning extended stays or families seeking apartment-style accommodation rather than hotels. Book only through established platforms with payment protection and verified reviews (Booking.com, Airbnb). Never pay a deposit via wire transfer, Western Union, or cryptocurrency to an individual listing. If renting from a local landlord, verify the property in person or via video call with the landlord present before transferring any funds. Cross-check the listed address on Google Maps Street View.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Kurdistan Region Visa Fee Websites" scam in Erbil?

Accepted Answer

Several unofficial websites and social media accounts offer to process Kurdistan Region of Iraq e-visas or border permits for fees of $50–$150, presenting as official government portals. The Kurdistan Regional Government does not currently offer a paid e-visa processing service for most nationalities — visas are issued free or at very low cost on arrival at Erbil International Airport. Money paid to these sites is typically unrecoverable, and some sites harvest passport and payment data. Apply for visas or check current entry requirements exclusively through the official Kurdistan Regional Government website (gov.krd) or the Iraqi embassy in your home country. Do not trust websites that appear through social media ads or search engine results claiming to be official visa portals. At Erbil International Airport, visas on arrival are available for most Western nationalities at the immigration counter — no pre-payment is required.

Online Scams in Erbil

Online Accommodation Listing Fraud

Fake Kurdistan Region Visa Fee Websites

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