Legal Remedies for Foreign Victims of Fraud in Turkey

With increased tourism activity and growing foreign investor presence in Antalya, fraud cases targeting foreign nationals have diversified. In scenarios such as resort sale, fictitious investment opportunities, fake rental listings, online deception, foreign nationals suffer significant financial losses. Our law firm's experience over the years shows that for foreigners who have suffered fraud, rapid and correct legal steps play a determining role in recovering losses.

Legal Nature of Fraud Offence

In Turkish criminal law, fraud is the offence of obtaining benefit to the detriment of person or another using deception. Aggravated forms of this offence:

• Committed using IT systems (online fraud),
• Through banking or credit institutions,
• Under pretext of commercial activity (fictitious investment, fake company),
• Using name of official institution,
• Committed in organised manner.

In these cases, penalty significantly increases.

Most Common Fraud Scenarios

1. Fake Resort and Timeshare Sales

Sale to foreign investors via flashy brochures and virtual tours of an unfinished or fictitious resort. After advance payment, neither property delivered nor money returned.

2. Investment Traps

Impossible offers like "guaranteed 50% annual returns," cryptocurrency platforms, supposed startup investments. Investor deposits money, receives small "profit" payments for a while, then losses begin and the institution becomes unreachable.

3. Fake Rental Listings

Fake rental listings posted on many internet platforms; foreign tenant pays deposit and first rent in advance, property not delivered or one delivered turns out to be fake.

4. Fake Online Stores

"Carpet, antique, jewelry" sites targeting foreign tourists. Payment made, goods never sent or very different/worthless goods sent.

5. Romance Scam

Relationship built on social media or dating apps; under pretexts like "urgent money need," "business investment," "financing my arrival to Turkey," money is sent.

First Steps When Victimised by Fraud

1. Preserving Evidence

Whatever channel was used:

• All correspondence (email, WhatsApp, SMS, social media messages),
• Bank receipts,
• Payment screenshots,
• Contract texts,
• Advertisement images,
• ID or company information presented by perpetrator

should be saved digitally and physically. Evidence should be backed up immediately before being deleted or altered by the fraudster.

2. Bank Notification

If bank transfer was made, contact the bank immediately. Banks' suspicious transaction notification mechanism can be activated; in some cases, stoppage or reversal of the transfer is possible. Particularly for international SWIFT transfers, the first 24 hours are critical.

3. Criminal Complaint to Prosecutor's Office

A criminal complaint should be made to Antalya Public Prosecutor's Office. In the criminal complaint:

• Concrete narrative of events,
• Evidence,
• Known identity information of perpetrator,
• Victim's requests (filing case and being complainant)

are stated. Foreign victim, with criminal complaint, gains complainant / victim status and right to participate in file.

4. Civil Case in Parallel

While criminal case proceeds, victim can claim back their money through collection lawsuit or compensation lawsuit. In civil case:

• Provisional attachment on perpetrator's Turkish assets,
• Measures on bank accounts,
• Travel ban (where possible) on perpetrator

are requested.

Complainant / Participant Status

The foreign victim, taking participant status in criminal case, can:

• Apply legal remedies against decisions,
• Request hearing of witnesses,
• Object to expert reports,
• Submit additional evidence.

This position means active role rather than passive observer of process and directly affects outcome.

Routes for Money Recovery

Recovery of money lost through fraud is relatively difficult; but not impossible. Strategic routes:

1. Provisional Attachment

Provisional attachment orders on perpetrator's:

• Bank accounts in Turkey,
• Real estate,
• Vehicles,
• Receivables from third parties

are critical for recovery. This order can be requested from court immediately upon filing.

2. Enforcement Proceeding

When civil case is won, or if you have a debt instrument/contract, enforcement proceeding can be initiated directly. Attachment on perpetrator's assets, sale, and your money collected.

3. Compensation Case

Moral compensation and material compensation claims are presented separately within compensation case. Material compensation includes principal lost plus accrued interest.

4. Settlement Adjustments

Some fraudsters seek to escape conviction through partial return of money during proceedings. Mediation mechanism applies for some offence types; in this case, discussion can be brought to the table.

International Dimension

When perpetrator is outside Turkey:

• Turkish prosecution can request extradition,
• Arrest warrant via INTERPOL can be issued,
• Cooperation with foreign country authorities runs.

If perpetrator's assets are abroad, lawsuit in that country's law may be needed; international criminal and civil case experts come into play.

Preventive Measures Against Fraud

1. Approach "too good" offers with suspicion — sales below market value, guaranteed high returns.
2. Don't make large payments without lawyer — particularly in real estate and investment transactions.
3. Pay through bank — cash, crypto, or hand-to-hand payments reduce evidence value.
4. Pre-research companies and persons — Trade Registry records, court records can be checked.
5. Get contracts in Turkish and a language you understand.

Legal Support

For foreign clients in Antalya who have been victimised by fraud, MONA HUKUK runs criminal and civil lawsuits in coordination. Rapid provisional attachment, evidence preservation, joining criminal file as participant, and where needed international assistance — our team is with you from start to finish of the process.

Contact us at contact@monahukuk.com or call +90 (242) 606 14 32 to schedule a consultation in Antalya.