Turkey's Trade Ministry launches EİDS to curb fraudulent real‑estate and vehicle ads on social media

The Turkish Trade Ministry has introduced the Electronic Listing Verification System (EİDS) to fight fraud in property and vehicle advertisements. Under the new regulation, all online listings must undergo identity and licence verification before they can be published on traditional ad sites and on social‑media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Posts that do not carry an EİDS confirmation are subject to administrative penalties.

Consumers are urged to verify the seller’s credentials and to avoid paying deposits or advance payments until the listing is validated. Consumer‑rights chief Ergün Kılıç warned that scammers are shifting to unregulated social‑media channels and stressed, “Verify before you pay.” Real‑estate chamber president Abdullah Çiftçi praised the measure, saying it protects buyers, strengthens professional credibility and helps prevent unregistered activity and price manipulation.

The system is now integrated with major digital platforms, and the ministry is closely monitoring compliance, targeting both fake listings and practices that could lead to market monopolisation. Violators – including real‑estate agencies and auto‑dealers – face fines and possible licence sanctions.