Police issue 'fraud' warning to citizens ahead of summer vacation! Beware of these links...

The General Directorate of Security (EGM) Department of Public Order has issued a warning against fraudsters for those making plans for the upcoming vacation season.

In the statement made by the EGM, it was noted that citizens should be cautious of links sent via email and text messages promising 'vacation deals' or 'discounted vacation packages' while making their holiday plans.

The statement emphasized that the tourism facility certificates of the establishments where reservations are to be made should be verified through the 'www.tursab.org.tr' and 'www.kulturturizm.gov.tr' websites, and included the following:

"Using the address, title, and contact information on the websites of travel agencies or tourism facilities, one should check whether the website is registered with the Electronic Commerce Information System (ETBİS). Considering that websites of hotels or travel companies can be copied, attention should be paid to whether these websites are genuine. After making a reservation through online sites, the relevant hotel should be called to confirm the booking. Facilities offering reservations at very low prices should definitely be researched. Payments should be made upon check-in at the hotel. If this is not possible, payments should be made to the accounts belonging to the agency company or the relevant hotel. Payments should absolutely not be made to accounts belonging to individuals claiming to be hotel officials."