Scammers' methods never end: Family members are also in danger

A new fraud method is becoming widespread in Turkey. According to a report by Cumhuriyet newspaper columnist Barış Pehlivan, this trap begins with messages sent to citizens' mobile phones, telling individuals that "the file to be opened against you for the crime of sexual abuse will be processed." The messages are sent under the heading "Legal follow-up warning."

In these messages, the scammers use the name of a supposed lawyer, "Atty. Ayhan Kadir Sönmez," and request that the recipient get in touch "for a settlement."

THREATS OF ACCUSATION, PROMISES OF SALVATION THROUGH SETTLEMENT

The messages state that a sexual abuse charge has been filed and that the settlement process is nearing its end. However, it is noted that immediately afterward, the scammers send a message saying, "If you have a settlement request, you can contact Atty. Ayhan Kadir Sönmez via WhatsApp."

The messages end with phrases such as "files that have been processed will not have the right to a settlement." In this way, a sense of panic is created to ensure the person makes contact.

THEY ALSO CALL BY PHONE AFTER THE MESSAGES

After the fake messages, the scammers then turn to phone calls. They introduce themselves as prosecutors, police officers, or lawyers and begin a process of verbal threats and persuasion. They then demand money under the guise of a settlement. It is claimed that the money will be transferred to the victim, and thus the file will be closed.

FAMILY MEMBERS ARE ALSO TARGETED

According to Barış Pehlivan, the trap is not limited to messages and phone calls. If the person resists the fraud or does not find it credible, they then turn to their family. Spouses, siblings, children, and even mothers-in-law are called. The scammers pressure family members by saying, "He will listen to you, talk to him so he doesn't get into trouble."

In some cases, even fake prosecutor's office documents are prepared and sent to family members. The scammers act as if they are using all legal avenues to create a sense of reality.

SEXUAL ABUSE IS NOT SUBJECT TO SETTLEMENT

There are important legal facts that show these messages are fake. First of all, the crime of sexual abuse is not subject to settlement. Furthermore, a lawyer named "Atty. Ayhan Kadir Sönmez" does not exist in the records of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations.

Barış Pehlivan noted that the written texts also contain serious spelling errors, words with no legal basis, and grammatical flaws.

Another striking aspect of the fraud is that the same "victim" name is used for different people in different provinces. This situation shows that the scammers are directing a single scenario at dozens or even hundreds of people.