Guide by an Alanya Criminal Lawyer

Guide by an Alanya Criminal Lawyer: What Should Foreigners Do If They Are Victims of Fraud in Turkey?

Introduction: Rising Foreign Investments and Legal Risks

In recent years, Turkey has become a popular destination for foreign investors and expatriates. Particularly in cities like Alanya, with its climate, real estate opportunities, and tourism-based economy, thousands of foreigners have chosen to live, invest, or retire.

Unfortunately, this popularity has also made foreigners vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. In this article, we explain in detail what a foreigner should do if they fall victim to fraud in Turkey, especially in tourist-heavy regions like Alanya — from a criminal lawyer’s perspective.

What Is Considered Fraud under Turkish Criminal Law?

Fraud (Dolandırıcılık) is regulated under Articles 157 and 158 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC). The offense occurs when a person deceives another by dishonest means and causes economic loss.

Simple Fraud (TPC Article 157):

Involves deception for personal gain, leading to financial damage to the victim.

Aggravated Fraud (TPC Article 158):

Occurs under more serious conditions, such as:

Committed by a public official
Committed using digital or banking systems
Abuse of religious beliefs
Committed by a criminal organization or multiple offenders

Common fraud types handled by our Alanya criminal lawyers include:

Fake property sales with forged documents
Promises of investment returns or business partnerships
Posing as a real estate agent or interpreter
Scams through fake contracts
Cryptocurrency or e-commerce fraud

What Should a Foreign Victim of Fraud Do in Turkey?

1. Report the Incident Immediately

Foreign nationals should file a complaint at the local police station or Public Prosecutor’s Office as soon as possible.
Language is not a barrier — an official interpreter will be provided during your statement.

Example:
An investor from the UK was tricked into purchasing an apartment in Alanya based on a fake title deed. Our law firm filed both a criminal complaint and a civil lawsuit for compensation.

2. Preserve All Evidence

Bank transaction records
WhatsApp or email conversations
Signed contracts or fake documents
Witness details
Screenshots and correspondence

This evidence is essential for your fraud attorney in Turkey to build a strong legal case.

3. Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Understanding Turkish law, legal procedures, and attending court hearings can be challenging for foreigners. A professional criminal lawyer in Alanya can handle the process with a power of attorney — from complaint filing to trial representation.

Legal Support in Alanya: Experience of Nergizler Law and Consulting

At Nergizler Law and Consulting, we have years of experience assisting foreign clients who have been victims of fraud in Alanya and nearby regions.

Our legal services include:

Filing criminal complaints on your behalf
Initiating compensation lawsuits in civil court
Representing you before police and prosecutors
Managing the entire process remotely if you reside abroad
Communicating in multiple languages (English, Russian, German, Arabic, Turkish)

For more details, please visit our Criminal Law Services Page.

Role of Consulates

Your country’s consulate in Turkey may provide limited assistance such as:

Recommending translators or lawyers
Guiding you through basic procedures

However, consulates do not get involved in legal proceedings directly. Legal representation must be handled by a Turkish attorney.

✅ Conclusion: Don’t Hesitate to Claim Your Rights

Fraud is a serious crime in Turkish law.
Foreigners have equal protection under the Turkish legal system.
Act promptly. File a complaint. Collect evidence. Work with a qualified Alanya criminal lawyer.

Remember, being a victim does not mean you must accept the loss. With the right legal support, justice can be achieved, and financial losses recovered.

Contact an Experienced Lawyer

If you are a foreigner who has been defrauded in Turkey, our law firm is ready to assist you.

+90 553 666 07 56
www.lawyeralanya.com
Oba Mahallesi, Uğur Sokak No:8A D:11, Alanya / Antalya