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Jordan (JO)

Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea.

Capital: Amman
Region: Middle East
Language: Arabic
Currency: JOD (JD)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 39)
Emergency: 911
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Scam Warnings

Common scams targeting expats in Jordan.

Jordan is generally safe for expats, but several scams specifically target newcomers and foreigners. The three golden rules: never pay a deposit on a property you have not physically visited; never pay recruitment fees to get a job; and never act on WhatsApp messages claiming to be from Jordanian police or government. Official Jordan government agencies do not contact people via WhatsApp for official matters or request payments through messaging apps. Use Careem or Uber for transport, verify employers at mol.gov.jo, and report scams to the Public Security Directorate at psd.gov.jo.

Fake rental listings (Amman expat market)

critical

Fraudulent apartment listings on Facebook Marketplace, OpenSooq, and property portals use stolen photos of attractive Amman properties at below-market prices to extract deposits or personal information. The expat demand for furnished apartments in Amman (Abdoun, Sweifieh, Jabal Amman) makes this a persistent target.

How to spot it
  • - Attractive apartment priced significantly below market for the area
  • - Landlord or agent is "abroad" and cannot meet in person or show the property
  • - Requests a deposit via bank transfer, Western Union, or cash before viewing
  • - Pressure tactics: "Many other people are interested — pay now to secure it"
  • - Photos are reverse-searchable to other property websites or stock image sites
What to do: Never pay any deposit before physically visiting the property and meeting the actual landlord. Ask to see the title deed (Kushan) to verify ownership. Use reputable local agents with physical offices. Be suspicious of prices more than 20% below comparable market listings. Report fraud to the Public Security Directorate at psd.gov.jo or call 911.

Fake job offers targeting migrant workers

critical

Fraudulent job offers — often targeting people from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and neighbouring Arab countries — promise well-paid jobs in Jordan (domestic work, construction, hospitality) that turn out to be non-existent, drastically different from the ad, or involve confiscation of the worker's passport on arrival. This is a form of labour trafficking.

How to spot it
  • - Recruiter charges an upfront "processing" or "placement" fee
  • - Job description is vague, or changes significantly after you arrive in Jordan
  • - Employer asks to "keep" your passport for "safekeeping" — this is illegal in Jordan
  • - Offer arrived via WhatsApp, Facebook, or email from an unverifiable contact
  • - Salary is unusually high for the stated role with minimal qualifications required
What to do: Verify any Jordan-based employer through the Ministry of Labour (mol.gov.jo). Legitimate employers never charge workers recruitment fees — fees are the employer's legal responsibility. Never surrender your passport to an employer; doing so is prohibited under Jordanian law. If you are already in Jordan and in this situation, contact your country's embassy immediately and call the PSD on 911.

WhatsApp impersonation of police or government

critical

Scammers send WhatsApp messages claiming to be from the Jordanian Police (PSD), the Department of Residence and Borders Affairs (DRBA), or a foreign embassy. They claim the target has a problem with their Iqama, visa, or a customs package, and demand payment to resolve the issue. Caller ID spoofing makes the number appear official.

How to spot it
  • - Message on WhatsApp from an unknown number claiming to be a Jordanian authority
  • - Claims there is an urgent problem with your residence permit, visa, or a customs delivery
  • - Demands payment via bank transfer, Western Union, or cryptocurrency
  • - Creates urgency and threatens fines, arrest, or deportation for non-payment
  • - Requests personal ID or passport details via a messaging app
What to do: Jordanian government agencies do not contact people via WhatsApp for official matters or request payments through messaging apps. Hang up or stop replying. If you are genuinely concerned about your Iqama or residency status, contact the DRBA directly on their official number (+962 6 5899888) or visit in person. Report impersonation attempts to PSD at psd.gov.jo.

Taxi overcharging and ride-hailing scams

warning

Yellow taxis in Amman frequently refuse to use the meter and negotiate fixed prices that are 3–5 times the metered fare, particularly at Queen Alia International Airport, malls, and tourist sites. Airport "official transfer" services operated by touts are a particular risk for newly arrived expats.

How to spot it
  • - Driver claims the meter is broken or "not working today"
  • - Insists on a fixed price before departure, quoted in USD rather than JOD
  • - Driver at airport approaches you inside the terminal claiming to be an official service
  • - No visible taxi licence plate or registered taxi signage on vehicle
What to do: Use Careem or Uber for all journeys — pricing is transparent, upfront, and trackable. If using a yellow taxi, insist on "al-Addad" (the meter) before getting in, or agree the JOD fare before the journey begins. At the airport, use the official JETT or licensed airport taxi services booked at the official desk inside arrivals.

Visa fixer and residence permit scams

warning

Unofficial "fixers" offer to obtain or fast-track Jordanian residence permits, work visas, or Iqama renewals for large fees. They claim to have insider connections at DRBA or relevant ministries. Victims lose their money and may also have submitted personal documents to fraudsters.

How to spot it
  • - Person claims they can guarantee or speed up a visa or residence permit for a fee
  • - Contact made through unofficial channels (WhatsApp, social media)
  • - Asks for copies of your passport and personal documents before any official process
  • - Fee is requested in cash without any official receipt
  • - Claims to know specific officials who can "help"
What to do: All residence and visa processes go through the official DRBA channels. Legitimate immigration lawyers and registered agencies charge for advice but cannot pay bribes on your behalf. Only use law firms or agencies with verifiable registrations. Report fraudulent fixers to PSD at psd.gov.jo.

Fake gemstones and counterfeit Jordanian products

warning

In tourist areas (Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman souk), vendors sell synthetic gemstones, counterfeit Dead Sea products, and handicrafts claimed to be Jordanian-made that are mass-produced imports from China or other countries.

How to spot it
  • - Vendor demonstrates gemstones with special torches or "authenticity" techniques
  • - Claims products are genuine, locally made, or "mine-direct"
  • - Special price "only for you" created with urgency
  • - Product has no certifications, batch numbers, or verifiable provenance
What to do: Buy authentic Dead Sea and Jordanian products from established brands (JARA, Jordan River Foundation boutiques). Genuine Jordanian jewellery and handicrafts are best purchased from Jordan Artisan Guild members or certified shops in Amman's Rainbow Street area. Obtain a GIA or independent gemological certificate before purchasing loose gemstones above USD 200.

Dishonest money changers (sarraf fraud)

warning

Some informal money changers (sarraf) in Amman use sleight of hand to short-change customers, count notes incorrectly while creating conversational distraction, or offer exchange rates that appear competitive but include undisclosed commissions.

How to spot it
  • - Notes counted very quickly or partially blocked from view
  • - "Better" exchange rate on large amounts that actually includes a hidden commission
  • - Rushed transaction that creates pressure to pocket notes before counting carefully
  • - Office has no clearly posted exchange rates visible to the public
What to do: Use reputable licensed sarraf offices in established areas (Sweifieh, 3rd Circle area) with clearly posted rates. Count every note in full before leaving the counter. Use Wise or your bank account for large international transfers. The Jordan Dinar is pegged to the USD, so always verify the rate beforehand.

Overcharging at Petra and tourist sites

info

At Petra and Wadi Rum, individuals claiming to be official guides approach visitors offering horse rides, donkey transport, and "secret passages" at prices that escalate dramatically from the initial quote. This is a well-documented issue that the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) has been working to address.

How to spot it
  • - Person presents themselves as a "helpful local" near the Petra entrance or Siq
  • - Offers services without discussing price upfront
  • - Presents a bill of JOD 50–200 or more at the end of the service
  • - Persistent pressure to accept services despite repeated refusals
What to do: Book official licensed guides directly through the Petra Visitors Centre at the main entrance. Agree all prices in writing or with a clear verbal agreement witnessed by others before accepting any service. Official PDTRA guide rates are regulated — ask the Visitors Centre for the posted rate sheet.

Reporting

Where to report: Public Security Directorate (PSD) — psd.gov.jo. Emergency: 911. Cybercrime Unit for online fraud: accessible through psd.gov.jo. Consumer Protection Directorate under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply — mit.gov.jo for commercial scams. Ministry of Labour (mol.gov.jo) for labour and employment fraud.

Consumer helpline: Consumer Protection Directorate (Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply): +962 6 5629030. PSD emergency: 911. Tourist Police Hotline: +962 79 550 5755.