Here are the 4 methods most commonly used by scammers.

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Complaints data regarding 'lawsuit and enforcement SMS fraud' across Turkey has been released. According to the data from Şikayetvar, complaints about this fraud method have increased by 3,150 percent compared to last year. It was observed that complaints intensified in October, with an increase of 864 percent compared to the previous month.

Complaints received by the platform showed that fraudsters generally operate under the name of a law firm or an official institution. In the messages sent, individuals are frightened with phrases like 'the last day of your mediation file' or 'enforcement proceedings will be initiated', and they are asked to call a specified phone number or click on a suspicious link.

METHODS FREQUENTLY USED BY FRAUDSTERS

According to a statement from Şikayetvar, the methods frequently used by fraudsters are listed as follows:

Fake legal threats: Victims receive frightening messages stating that enforcement proceedings will be initiated or a lawsuit will be filed.

Realistic appearances: Messages are written in an official language and usually include details such as law firm or lawyer names to ensure credibility.

Targeted number usage: Victims are persuaded to appear as if they have taken steps towards a solution by being asked to communicate with specific phone numbers.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES THAT CAN BE TAKEN

The platform also explained the preventive measures that can be taken against SMS fraud as follows:

Approach messages with suspicion: Official institutions do not request sensitive information via SMS. Carefully examine incoming messages. Consult official institutions: Contact relevant institutions directly or through e-government to verify the situation.

Block fraudulent messages: Ensure the blocking of numbers by reporting them to your operator.

Seek legal assistance: If financial losses have occurred, initiate the legal process by applying to the prosecutor's office.

The platform also stated, "By raising awareness in your surroundings, you can contribute to preventing fraudsters from creating victimization."

"THEY CLAIMED I WAS CONVICTED OF BETTING AND MONEY LAUNDERING CRIMES"

Complaints received by the platform regarding the issue were shared as follows:

On 23.12.2024, I received a message stating, "Dear Defendant, your mediation and arbitration file has been forwarded to us. Please call to avoid being a victim." There was no such record in e-government. I checked through UYAP and reported my complaint to the relevant authorities.

I received a message saying, "Dear Defendant, your documents have reached our arbitration center, please call to avoid being a victim." When I called, they said it was a law firm and told me to log in with my e-government password and that I needed to make a payment. They claimed I was convicted of betting and money laundering crimes.

On 23.12.2024, I received a message stating, "Dear Defendant, your documents have reached our arbitration center, please call to avoid being a victim." When I called, I was told that I needed to pay a fine of 92,000 TL for accessing illegal sites. There was no such record in e-government, and I reported the situation to the authorities.

I received a message saying, "Please call to make a payment with a discount on interest without initiating enforcement proceedings for the debt belonging to our client company." There was no such record in my e-government and UYAP check. I reported it to the relevant authorities due to its suspicious nature.