KRG warns of impersonation scam targeting elderly and disabled

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs issued a warning Wednesday about a fraud scheme involving individuals impersonating ministry officials to exploit vulnerable citizens.

In a statement, the ministry said unidentified callers have recently contacted families of elderly residents and people with disabilities, claiming to represent entities such as “Social Monitoring” and the “Ministry of Labor.”

The impersonators reportedly offer social assistance or monitoring services in exchange for personal information, including national ID details. They also request the names of other vulnerable individuals, including those with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and later contact those people seeking mobile recharge cards and money transfers.

“Our ministry is not aware of this matter. It is part of a fraud scheme,” the statement said. “When necessary, we share our services and announcements only through official channels.”

The ministry said legal action is being taken against the perpetrators.