19.01.2026 22:12
In Izmir, a citizen is warning the public about IBAN fraud by walking through the streets, distributing brochures he prepared, and sticking them on walls and poles. The citizen, who stated that many people, especially those in his close circle, have been victims of this issue, said, "Even if it's someone close to you or someone you know, do not give your IBAN account. Do not believe statements like 'I have a block on my account, I can give you some pocket money too.'"
It was stated that Gülten Saygı, a textile worker in İzmir, received a request about a year ago from a relative who reached out to her friend, saying that their account was blocked and they needed an IBAN for an urgent money transfer.
STARTED TO WALK THE STREETS WHEN HER FRIEND WENT TO JAIL
According to the allegation, about a year after the incident, money transfers were made to her friend's account from 20 different accounts. The investigation revealed that the mentioned IBAN was used for fraudulent purposes. After a lawsuit was filed against Saygı's friend on charges of 'fraud', he was sent to prison. Saygı, who stated that another friend of hers experienced the same victimization after the incident, began to research this method. She mentioned that she reached out to the TCK 158 Victims Platform and learned that such incidents have been occurring frequently lately and that many people have been victimized in the same way. In response, Saygı prepared and printed brochures to warn citizens against IBAN fraud, and she started to distribute them and post them in certain places to raise awareness.
"OUR AIM IS TO WARN PEOPLE"
Saygı stated that she took action to raise awareness, saying, "A relative of my friend asked, 'I have a block on my account, can I send money to your account?' About a year later, money transfers were made to the IBAN from 20 different accounts. When it was determined that the IBAN was used for fraudulent purposes, my friend went to jail. I am not a victim myself, but when this happened to my friend, I did some research. That's why I saw how many people are victimized. Our aim is to warn people," she expressed.
"DO NOT SHARE YOUR IBAN ACCOUNT WITH ANYONE"
Saygı, who stated that they are working to prevent anyone from being victimized, said, "I am printing and distributing brochures. Even if it is someone close to you or someone you know, do not give your IBAN account. Do not believe words like 'I have a block on my account, I will give you some pocket money.' Once you share it, the process does not start immediately; it starts after a certain period. Money comes to your account from foreign places," she said.
"WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE OUR VOICE HEARD AS MUCH AS WE CAN"
Saygı expressed that especially young people are deceived with the promise of pocket money, saying, "Young people are very victimized in this regard and are also open to being victimized. Unfortunately, they believe it and realize that dozens of cases have been opened a year later. Thus, the psychology of many people who have experienced victimization is disturbed. We are trying to make our voice heard as much as we can," she said.