Online scammers try to lure victims using Turkish President Erdoğan's signature
Online con artists, who continually implement new methods geared toward scamming social media users, recently tried to use a facsimile of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's signature in order to gain access to people's personal information. By using images of Erdoğan, his signature and the AKP logo, scammers claimed that regardless of the bank, those holding credit card debt of up to 2500 TL would have their fees returned to them.
Serkan Alan / DUVAR
Online con artists, who continually implement new methods geared toward scamming social media users, recently tried to use a facsimile of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's signature in order to gain access to people's personal information.
The grifters opened a Facebook page under the name “TRT Haber,” referring to the state-run broadcasting network that has become under the control of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in recent years.
By using images of Erdoğan, his signature and the AKP logo, scammers claimed that regardless of the bank, those holding credit card debt of up to 2500 TL would have their fees returned to them.
Scammers on Twitter and Facebook in particular open fake accounts and publish paid, promoted posts, claiming to return fees and grant applications for interest-free loans.
The Presidential Directorate of Communications had made an announcement in January warning people not to give out their credit card information for any reason.
“The Directorate of Communications in no way shape or form will request credit card information from citizens,” it said in announcement, notifying people about scammers that were trying to receive personal information by promising monetary returns on electric and heating bills.