Iraq’s National Security Service warns of growing online financial fraud and deepfake scams

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s National Security Service warned Saturday of increasing online financial fraud and the growing use of deepfake technology, saying fraudsters are using fake social media pages and websites claiming to represent local and foreign banks to steal citizens’ money and banking data.

Arshad Al-Hakim, spokesperson for the National Security Service, said the agency has observed “a rise in online financial fraud activities carried out through social media pages and websites impersonating local and foreign banks.” He said these pages “claim to offer loans or investment opportunities to lure victims and steal their money and banking information.”

Al-Hakim explained that the scammers use “deceptive advertisements promising easy loans, free grants, or dollar sales at attractive prices,” directing victims to fake websites that ask for personal or banking details. “This ends with the theft of salaries or unauthorized financial transfers,” he said.

He urged citizens “to verify the identity of any financial entity through its official channels and contact the bank directly before providing any personal or banking information,” stressing that “official institutions never request sensitive information online.”

Al-Hakim also warned about the dangers of deepfake technology using artificial intelligence to “alter voices or images and produce fake material intended to mislead or cause disorder.” He called on the public “to verify content before sharing it and avoid relying on unknown or suspicious platforms.”

Online scams and financial fraud have increased across Iraq alongside the expansion of e-payments, online banking, and digital government services. The Central Bank of Iraq recently warned citizens not to share personal or financial information with unauthorized parties claiming to represent the bank, describing such requests as fraud attempts intended to steal data.

In recent months, the National Security Service also cautioned against new online scams using malicious links and deepfake technology to deceive citizens. The agency said cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to manipulate voices and images, produce fake content, and cause confusion.