Turkish law enforcement is concerned about the number of fraudsters who profit from tourists who want to book a holiday in the country’s resorts. According to local media, the Mugla Provincial Gendarmerie Command, in 2021 resorts in the province alone, revealed 38 qualified cases of fraud related to fake hotel websites and “special offers” for which gullible tourists were bought. Eight people have been arrested, but police warn that the fight continues.
“In order to prevent fraudulent activities that may occur in 2022 in connection with the approaching tourist season in the province of Mugla and its districts, we worked with 352 sites owned by hotels on the Internet. As a result, access to 26 fake sites was blocked. The work continues, “the provincial gendarmerie reports.
Mugla law enforcement officers, with the support of local authorities, have created a special monument for tourists – how to recognize a scammer and be wary. “Do not fall into the trap of cyber-scammers for those who plan to go on vacation in Turkey!” – They urge. Many rules are useful to learn for tourists, even those who buy a package holiday. Especially since fake sites are a problem not only in Turkey.
- Always be wary of cheap vacations that come through communication channels such as social media, email and text messaging – these are often scams.
- Fake sites are mostly focused on direct phone calls and communication on social networks. Tourists are urged to check Turkish phone numbers in such sources.
- Official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, where hotels and travel agencies are registered www.ktb.gov.tr
- Official website of the Association of Travel Agencies of Turkey www.tursab.org.tr,
- It is also recommended to check if the website where the tourist is booking a hotel in the e-commerce information system (ETBIS) at www.eticaret.gov.tr is registered.
For those who care about a healthy lifestyle, we recommend reading: “Mistakes in washing hair, which should be avoided“.