Legal steps in Türkiye for victims of phone scams in Germany
In recent years, numerous people in Germany have fallen victim to phone scams. In many cases, the perpetrators pose over the phone as police officers, prosecutors or other government officials.
This scam method is often referred to as the “shock-call scam”, “fake police officer” scam or, generally, phone scam.
Victims are typically placed under considerable psychological pressure. They are told, for example, that their assets or bank accounts are at risk. As a result, they are induced to deposit cash or gold at specific locations or hand it over to third parties.
Through this form of shock-call scam, many people have suffered losses of several hundred thousand Euros.
Investigations have shown that some of these fraud cases may have ties to criminal structures connected to Türkiye.
If you have fallen victim to such a phone scam or shock-call scam, it may be important to examine whether legal steps in Türkiye are possible.
How does phone fraud work?
In phone fraud, perpetrators frequently pose as the following persons:
- Police officers
- Public prosecutors
- Government officials
- Bank employees
The perpetrators often tell their victims that:
- their identity has been misused by criminals
- their bank account is at risk
- their assets must be checked for security reasons
Under this psychological pressure, victims are often asked to deposit cash or valuables at specific locations or hand them over to alleged investigators on short notice.
Many victims realise the fraud only after the money or valuables have been handed over.
Legal options in Türkiye in cases of phone fraud
In some cases there may be indications that the perpetrators, or parts of the organisation, have links to Türkiye. The legal steps that are possible always depend on the specific circumstances of the individual case and the available evidence.
In such cases, various legal steps in Türkiye may, where appropriate, be examined, for example:
- Initiation of criminal investigations
- Initiation of court proceedings against the persons responsible
- Examination of possible claims for damages
- Legal assessment of the damage incurred
First step for victims of phone fraud: legal review
In cases of phone fraud, a detailed legal analysis of the facts is particularly important. Each case must therefore be reviewed and legally assessed individually.
The following factors play a role, among others:
- exactly how the fraud was carried out
- how cash or gold was handed over
- what evidence or documents are available
- whether investigations are ongoing in Germany
- whether possible ties to Türkiye exist
Advice for victims of phone fraud
If you have been defrauded by persons who posed over the phone as police officers or government officials, you can obtain information about possible legal steps in Türkiye.
As part of an initial assessment, the facts can be examined and possible legal options explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is phone fraud?
Phone fraud is a method by which perpetrators pose as police officers, prosecutors, bank employees or other officials and induce people to hand over money or valuables. This method has, in particular, become very common in Germany in recent years.
How does the so-called “fake police” fraud work?
In this method the fraudsters telephone the victim and pose as police officers or public prosecutors. The victim is often told that their identity is being misused by criminal organisations or that their money is at risk. The victim is then instructed to deposit cash or gold at a specific location.
Can victims of phone fraud recover their money?
Each case is different. In certain situations, however, criminal investigations against the persons connected with the fraud may be initiated. In addition, legal steps may be examined to bring claims for damages and, where appropriate, to file lawsuits. Swift legal action is of great importance.
Can phone fraud have a connection to Türkiye?
Investigations have shown that fraud organisations operate in various countries and that, in certain cases, connections to Türkiye may also exist. In such situations, it may be worthwhile examining the legal options available in Türkiye.
Can victims of phone fraud bring proceedings in Türkiye?
Depending on the circumstances of the individual case, the initiation of criminal proceedings or the pursuit of civil-law steps in Türkiye may be considered. This requires careful legal review of the facts. Recently it has often been found that such offences are organised through call-centre-style structures with links to Türkiye.
What should I do if I have fallen victim to phone fraud?
If you have fallen victim to phone fraud, you should, first and foremost, inform the police in your country of residence. In addition, it is very important to have the matter legally examined by specialist lawyers.