Turkey tourism fraud surge warns of IBAN payment scams
With the start of the summer holiday and wedding season, Turkish authorities and consumer‑rights experts have reported a sharp rise in fraudulent holiday‑booking schemes. Scammers post fake listings for villas, bungalows and hotels, often creating websites that closely copy reputable reservation platforms. They lure potential travellers with unusually low prices and then demand payment via a personal IBAN transfer or a deposit, claiming “system errors” or “commission fees” to avoid secure payment methods.
Attorney Esra Betül Türkelp explains that after the victim makes the bank transfer, the fraudulent listing is removed, phone numbers are disconnected and the scammer becomes unreachable. The most common tactic is the “deposit trap,” where the victim is urged to send a down‑payment to a private IBAN with messages such as “only one room left” or “high demand, book now.”
Consumers are advised to verify that the accommodation actually operates by checking its address, fixed telephone number, company registration and online reviews, and to contact the property directly. Payments should be made only through recognised booking platforms that use secure payment systems, and a written reservation contract should be obtained before any money is transferred.