Beware of lawsuit and enforcement fraud: Complaints have increased by 3,150 percent!

In today's world, where fraud cases are increasing day by day, the methods are also diversifying. One of the methods that citizens have complained about the most recently stands out as "lawsuit and enforcement SMS fraud."

According to data shared by Şikayetvar, complaints regarding this method have increased by 3,150 percent in the last year. While it was observed that complaints peaked in October 2024, an 864 percent increase in complaints was recorded compared to the previous month.

Complaints received by Şikayetvar reveal that scammers generally act under the name of a law firm or an official institution. Citizens are intimidated in the messages sent with phrases such as "the final day of your mediation file" or "enforcement proceedings will be initiated." They are asked to call a phone number specified in the messages or click on a suspicious link.

According to data obtained from Şikayetvar, the methods frequently used by scammers are as follows:

Fake legal threats: Intimidating messages are sent to victims, such as that enforcement proceedings will be initiated or a lawsuit file will be opened.

Realistic appearances: The messages are written in an official tone and reliability is ensured by adding details such as law firm or lawyer names.

Target-oriented number usage: Victims are persuaded to appear as if they have taken steps toward a resolution by being asked to communicate via specific phone numbers.

This fraud method leaves serious financial and psychological effects on victims:

Financial losses: Those who believe the messages and make payments to the specified accounts suffer serious financial damage.

Psychological pressure: Individuals who are not familiar with legal processes experience stress and anxiety due to the threat of the messages.

Delayed precautions: Victims may be late in reporting the situation to authorized institutions when they realize they have been defrauded.

4 important precautions against SMS fraud:

Approach messages with suspicion: Official institutions do not request sensitive information via SMS. Examine incoming messages carefully.

Consult official institutions: To check the situation, contact the relevant institutions directly or check via e-Devlet.

Block scam messages: Ensure the numbers are blocked by complaining to your operator.

Seek legal help: If financial losses have occurred, initiate the legal process by applying to the prosecutor's offices.

Şikayetvar: “Raise awareness, prevent victimization”

Şikayetvar's recorded data reveals that social awareness against such fraud must be increased. While the spread of fake messages in the digital environment carries serious risks for consumers, being informed about these threats is of critical importance. The solution platform Şikayetvar continues its efforts to inform its users on this subject. In the statement made by the platform, it was stated: "By raising awareness in your circle, you can contribute to preventing scammers from creating victimization."

The complaints received by Şikayetvar regarding the subject are as follows: 

“On 23.12.2024, I received a message saying, 'Mr. Defendant, your settlement and mediation file has been forwarded to us. Call to avoid being a victim.' There was no such record on e-Devlet. I checked via UYAP and reported my complaint to the relevant authorities.”

"I received the message, 'Mr. Defendant, your documents have reached our arbitration center, call to avoid being a victim.' When I called, they said it was a law firm and told me to log in with my e-Devlet password and make a payment. They claimed I was convicted of betting and money laundering crimes.”

“On 23.12.2024, I received the message, 'Mr. Defendant, your documents have reached our arbitration center, call to avoid being a victim.' When I called, I was told that I had to pay a 92 thousand TL fine for accessing illegal sites. There was no such record on e-Devlet, I forwarded the situation to the authorities.”

“I received a message saying, 'Call to pay your debt to our client company with an interest discount before enforcement proceedings are initiated.' There was no such record in my e-Devlet and UYAP check. Since it was suspicious, I complained to the relevant authorities.”