Investment scams are a prevalent problem worldwide, and Turkey is no exception. Victims of these scams often suffer not only the loss of their investment but also the loss of their trust in the financial system. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to an investment scam in Turkey, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and attempt to claim back the money lost.
Ways for recovering your money from a scammer/con artist in Turkey:
- Urgently proceed to an enforcement proceeding: In cases of fraud, it may take as little as 2-3 weeks to get your money back by legal means. For this reason, sending a payment order to the fraudster by sending an enforcement proceeding before other transactions is the most effective method due to legal reasons. It is necessary to ensure that the bank account to which you send the money is legally secured.
- Report the scam to the authorities: The first step in protecting your rights and potentially reclaiming lost funds is to report the scam to the authorities. In Turkey, the Capital Markets Board (CMB) is responsible for regulating and supervising the country’s capital markets. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, you can file a complaint with the CMB. The CMB will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action if necessary
- File a criminal complaint: If the scam involves criminal activity, you can file a criminal complaint with the Turkish police. This may be necessary if the scammer is located in Turkey or if they have committed fraud or other crimes that warrant criminal prosecution.
- Seek legal advice: If you have lost a significant amount of money, you may want to consider seeking legal advice from a Turkish attorney. An attorney can advise you on your legal options and represent you in legal proceedings if necessary.
- Contact your bank or financial institution: If you made the investment through a bank or financial institution, you should contact them as soon as possible. They may be able to freeze the account or take other measures to prevent the scammer from accessing your funds.
- Consider joining a class-action lawsuit: If there are multiple victims of the same scam, you may be able to join a class-action lawsuit. This can be an effective way to pool resources and increase your chances of reclaiming lost funds.
- Be wary of recovery scams: Unfortunately, there are many scams that prey on victims of investment scams. These recovery scams claim to be able to recover your lost funds for a fee. However, these scams are often fraudulent and can result in further financial losses. Be very cautious of any company or individual that promises to recover your lost funds for a fee.
In conclusion, falling victim to scams (investment scammers and visa application scammers are very common) in Turkey can be a devastating experience. However, by taking the appropriate steps and seeking professional advice, you may be able to protect your rights and potentially reclaim lost funds. Remember to always be vigilant and cautious when it comes to investing, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
