Important warning from the Ministry regarding bank accounts: Do not do this! It could end in prison...

The Ministry of Trade has warned citizens against a growing danger in recent times.

In a statement issued by the Ministry, it was pointed out that there has been an increase in incidents where some individuals allow third parties to use their bank accounts in exchange for financial gain, or share their account details, thereby becoming involved in illegal activities without realizing it.

Stating that such attempts can lead to serious dangers, the Ministry warned citizens with the following words: "Such practices are becoming part of crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and the like, and account holders may face serious legal and criminal sanctions. Such transactions, which are accepted as being carried out with the knowledge of the account holder, can lead to severe grievances in the future and results such as imprisonment, administrative fines, and restrictions on access to banking services at the end of the judicial process. Statements such as 'I only gave my account, I did not perform the transaction' do not eliminate legal responsibility."

While emphasizing that bank accounts are personal, the statement reminded that all transactions should be carried out solely in line with the account holder's own needs.

The statement, which specified that IBANs, bank cards, mobile banking passwords, and identity information should not be shared with anyone, included the following warnings:

"The use of such information by malicious individuals or structures can cause the account to become a tool for illegal transactions. Some people may want to use bank accounts with promises of easy money. Such offers should definitely not be trusted, and the account holder should not forget that they will be responsible for the legal consequences of these transactions. Transactions carried out through an account are initially evaluated as if the account holder has knowledge and consent. Therefore, knowing by whom and for what purpose the account is used and ensuring the necessary control is part of individual responsibility."

Do Not Remain Silent in Suspicious Situations

The statement also pointed to the relevant article of the Law on Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime. It was stated that individuals who perform transactions on behalf of someone else, even if in their own name, without notifying the relevant financial institution in writing, may face imprisonment or judicial fines.

Emphasizing that citizens should inform banks or authorized authorities in potentially risky situations, the statement noted that every individual must act carefully and responsibly for social security.

"It should not be forgotten that ensuring financial security is, first and foremost, the individual's own responsibility. As the Ministry, we kindly request our citizens to act consciously, carefully, and responsibly, to protect their personal financial information with care, and to never allow this information to be shared with third parties."

News Source: AA