Sought a psychic for a love spell: Defrauded of 535 thousand TL

N.K., a resident of Kayseri, attempted to seek help from an account they encountered on social media to reunite with someone they were in love with. The account holder promised N.K. that they could bring them together. Believing this promise, N.K. sent a total of 135 thousand TL to various accounts for the requested materials. However, after failing to receive the expected results, they were directed to another person and sent an additional 400 thousand TL to this individual as well.

'THEY CLAIMED A BINDING SPELL HAD BEEN CAST'

Realizing they had been defrauded, N.K. became suspicious when an additional 52 thousand TL in expenses was requested for the return of the funds and reported the situation to the authorities. Lawyer Ozan Özgür Coruk shared the details of the incident, stating, "My client asked why the person they were in a romantic relationship with via social media was not with them. They then told my client that a binding spell had been cast on them. A list of materials was provided to break this spell."

Coruk stated that such scams fall under the crime of aggravated fraud according to the Turkish Penal Code, adding, "My client's will was compromised through their religious beliefs. The accounts to which the money was sent are most likely rented fake accounts. The owners of these accounts face very severe penalties." He also advised citizens to be cautious against such incidents and to seek legal assistance when necessary. He added that investigations regarding the complaint filed with the cybercrime prosecutor's office are ongoing.