Fake notary scam targeting vehicle sellers

The operation, conducted under the supervision of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in the Mustafakemalpaşa district of Bursa, concluded successfully following meticulous work by the Public Security Branch of the Provincial Police Department. It was revealed that the fraudsters targeted individuals looking to sell vehicles on digital platforms by posing as notary officials. The suspects, who convinced citizens to use a 'secure payment system,' demanded money from the victims by claiming they needed to hold a balance equal to the deposit amount in their own accounts.

As a result of a three-month detailed technical and physical surveillance, it was determined that the suspects used illegal 'burner lines' to communicate with citizens and laundered these proceeds through bank accounts. 17 suspects were detained in operations held in Bursa, as well as in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Mersin, Şanlıurfa, and Osmaniye. Some of the suspects were caught in their sleep during the raids; the moments of the operation were recorded by police cameras.

During searches conducted at the suspects' addresses, numerous digital materials identified as being used in the crime were seized, while two vehicles and one property acquired through fraud were secured.

JUDICIAL PROCESS OF THE SUSPECTS

According to the investigations, it was reported that 70 different victims suffered a total loss of 4 million 200 thousand Turkish Liras. While one of the suspects was released after providing a statement following police processing, 10 of the 16 individuals referred to the courthouse were arrested by the court. It was decided that 6 suspects would be released under judicial control conditions.

According to information in the investigation file, it is stated that the fraudsters targeted citizens selling vehicles online and victimized many people across the country using similar methods.

Police authorities warn citizens not to deviate from official channels and notary services, especially during vehicle buying and selling transactions.

News Source: 12punto