Ministry of Trade investigates iPhone insurance bundling claims

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has launched an investigation following consumer complaints regarding the sale of new iPhone models. Customers reported that some technology retailers allegedly made the purchase of these devices conditional upon buying additional insurance or casco services.

One consumer claimed they were told a phone could only be purchased if they also took out a casco policy costing approximately 28,000 lira. Other reports suggested that when customers declined insurance offers, staff claimed the stock had been sold to online buyers instead.

Bekir Kaplan, Press and Public Relations Advisor to the Ministry of Trade, stated that under consumer protection legislation, “the sale of a good or service cannot be made conditional on the purchase of another good or service.” The Ministry announced it will conduct inspections of the businesses involved and apply administrative sanctions if violations are identified.