15.10.2026 14:41
MASAK prepared a new guide to prevent bank accounts from being used in crimes such as fraud and illegal betting. It was stated that even seemingly innocent requests from friends or relatives, such as “Let money come into your account, then send it to me,” can make people part of a crime chain. Mobile and internet banking access of people suspected of renting out their accounts may be restricted, their cards may be blocked from use, and transaction limits may be lowered.
The Presidency of the Financial Crimes Investigation Board of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance prepared the "Guide on Suspicious Transaction Reporting for Combating Rental Accounts" to prevent financial accounts from being used in criminal activities.
With the guide, it is aimed to identify rental accounts at an early stage, to monitor suspicious transactions more effectively, and to prevent the financial system from being used in criminal activities.
According to MASAK's assessments, the use of bank accounts by persons other than their owners can lead to the account holder unwittingly becoming part of a chain through which criminal proceeds are transferred.
NOT LIMITED TO SHARING AN IBAN
The use of a rental account does not only cover giving a bank account or IBAN information to other people. Giving mobile banking passwords, bank cards, card passwords, and one-time verification codes to others can also cause control of the account to pass to third parties.
In addition to bank accounts, payment and electronic money accounts, commercial accounts, POS and virtual POS connections, and accounts on crypto asset platforms can also be considered within the scope of rental accounts. These accounts can be used especially in the transfer of money obtained from crimes such as fraud, illegal betting, and gambling.
BEWARE OF THE "LET MONEY COME INTO YOUR ACCOUNT, YOU SEND IT TO ME" TRAP
MASAK's guide also drew attention to the methods used to have accounts used by third parties. In addition to fee or commission offers made through social media and messaging applications, requests from friends, relatives, and business circles can also pose a risk.
It was stated that requests such as "Let money come into your account, send it to me" or "I will use your card for a short time" may draw people into criminal activities without their knowledge. In addition to having accounts used for a certain fee, leaving them for others to use without any financial compensation also carries risk.
MOBILE BANKING OF SUSPICIOUS ACCOUNTS MAY BE CLOSED
The guide also listed the measures financial institutions can take if the use of a rental account is detected or if there are strong indications of it. In this context, closing or restricting mobile and internet banking channels that enable the account to be used remotely by third parties is among the priority measures.
Depending on the nature of the incident, bank cards and POS and virtual POS services may be suspended, transaction limits may be lowered, and not providing new financial products to the customer may come up. If the risk continues or it is understood that the account is managed by others, some transactions may not be carried out and the business relationship with the customer may be terminated.
BANKS WILL CLOSELY MONITOR ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
MASAK also reminded banks, payment and electronic money institutions, and crypto asset service providers of their responsibilities regarding suspicious transactions. Financial institutions need to compare customers' occupations, income levels, and economic activities with account movements.
In particular, money transfers incompatible with the customer's income level, persons with whom intensive transactions are made, and the purpose of transactions will be closely examined. When deemed necessary, direct contact may be made with the customer to investigate whether they are aware of the transactions and who actually uses the account.
JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS MAY BE ON THE AGENDA FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE RULES
The guide also included the legal consequences of financial institutions failing to take necessary measures within the scope of combating rental accounts. If transactions are continued knowingly and intentionally in account networks known to transfer money originating from crime, judicial proceedings may come up depending on the nature of the incident.
However, the mere presence of suspicious transaction indicators or a violation of administrative obligations will not by itself mean criminal liability. When assessing criminal liability, the nature of the offense and the knowledge and intent of the persons involved will be taken into account.
With MASAK's new guide, it is aimed to reduce the risks arising from having financial accounts used by others and to prevent criminal proceeds from being transferred through the financial system.