Iraq's Cybersecurity Directorate warns against suspicious electronic links

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Cybersecurity Directorate has issued a public warning about suspicious electronic links circulating through text messages and social media platforms. According to the directorate, the links impersonate official or service-providing institutions to redirect users to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and banking data and gain control over accounts and devices. The directorate said scammers use various pretexts to lure victims, including checking traffic fines, updating personal data, processing payments, claiming subsidies or halting a supposed service. It urged the public not to click on links from unknown sources and not to enter passwords, banking information or verification codes. Users were advised to access government services only through official websites and applications and to avoid downloading applications or files from untrusted links. The Cybersecurity Directorate said digital awareness remains the first line of defense against cyber fraud and phishing attacks. No further details on the scale or recent cases of such scams were immediately available.