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Cyber fraud tactics rise in Turkey targeting banking and government services
Cybercriminals in Turkey are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to defraud citizens, targeting banking, government services, and real estate transactions. Experts have identified several prominent tactics:
One major trend is the 'Payment Request' scam. Fraudsters exploit banking features designed for easy money transfers by posing as sellers of vehicles or homes. They trick victims into approving payment requests by entering the victim's own IBAN or a third party's, causing the victim to inadvertently send money to the scammer while believing they are paying a deposit.
Other methods include phishing via fake SMS messages regarding failed cargo deliveries or fraudulent websites mimicking the Ministry of Health’s MHRS system. These fake sites often use sponsored search engine ads to appear legitimate and claim users have 'appointment penalties' to induce panic and steal credentials.
Additionally, the Ministry of National Education has warned that scammers are impersonating ministry officials to solicit illegal payments from firms. Experts advise citizens to remain calm, avoid clicking suspicious links, verify official URLs, and report any fraudulent activity to law enforcement and banks immediately.
Entities
Ali Murat Kırık · Istanbul · Mehmet Kızılay · Ministry of Health · Ministry of National Education · Turkey
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] When the victim approves the notification, money is transferred from the victim's account to the fraudster. www.haber1.com · www.aksam.com.tr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Scammers target individuals listing vehicles or real estate for sale or rent online. www.haber1.com · www.aksam.com.tr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ‘Request Payment’ feature was designed for easy money requests between users but is being exploited by scammers as a ‘deposit trap’. www.haber1.com · www.aksam.com.tr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fraudsters pose as government officials working out of town to establish trust with victims. www.haber1.com · www.aksam.com.tr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Victims are increasingly reporting similar fraud incidents on social media platforms. www.haber1.com · www.aksam.com.tr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The scam involves the fraudster entering the victim's own IBAN into the ‘Request Payment’ field instead of their own. www.aksam.com.tr