Fraud Warning Issued Over Eid Sacrifice Sale Ads

As Eid al-Adha approaches, authorities and experts have warned of a rise in fake social media listings advertising sacrificial animals at unrealistically low prices. The accounts are reportedly targeting citizens with promises of early purchase and home delivery, as well as through fictitious donation campaigns. Some of the ads are said to demand advance payment or a deposit for live animals, feed and sacrificial shares. The practice has drawn particular concern as prices for livestock at animal markets in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have risen, hitting low-income families especially hard. Experts urged the public not to trust advertisements posted by unverified accounts and to avoid sending money before confirming the seller. They said purchases should be made through approved applications or directly from sellers to reduce the risk of fraud.