A Cautionary Tale: How I Fell Victim to a Real Estate Scam in Istanbul
A Sunny Encounter That Changed Everything
In 2024, on a beautiful day between spring and summer, I was sitting in a park, enjoying the sunshine while reading a book. It had become a habit to soak up the sun and immerse myself in reading. One day, a local man approached me while taking a selfie and asked if I could take a photo of him. I agreed, and after a brief exchange, he struck up a conversation about what he did and inquired about my job. He seemed honest and authentic, which made me comfortable speaking with him.
An Offer That Seemed Too Good to Be True
He introduced himself as a businessman involved in real estate. During our chat, he suggested that I work as an agent for his company, selling real estate on a commission basis. This piqued my interest, as I had some friends and connections that could be useful in this field.
I also mentioned my need for a work permit in Istanbul, and he confidently assured me that he could help. He gave me his phone number, and I shared mine in return. Over the following weeks, he regularly called to check on my status, asking if I had secured my work permit through other means.
Meeting His Family and Real Estate Office
One day, he invited me to his real estate office, where I met his sons, who also worked there. The environment was warm and welcoming; we chatted and even had lunch together. He made a strong impression by portraying himself as a kind and generous person—offering sweets to children and showing compassion toward the elderly.
However, despite these gestures, something didn’t sit right with me. I shared my thoughts with my wife, and she cautioned me to be careful, warning that he might be a fraudster. While I took her advice into account, I still wanted to believe in his sincerity.
The Suspicious Request
Eventually, he told me he would start my work permit application and claimed he had strong connections with the ministries and the Istanbul administration. He mentioned needing to open a new company under my name, as his existing companies were registered under his sons. This raised my suspicions, but I tried to remain optimistic.
Then came the shocking request—he asked for $1,000, claiming it was necessary for the work permit process. I was taken aback and immediately doubted his intentions. To reassure me, he even offered to write a note with witnesses, saying that if anything happened to him, his sons would return my money. This was a major red flag.
I refused to give him the full amount and insisted that he complete the process first. He agreed and took me to an accountant to register the company. The accountant confirmed that he would begin the process and send me the necessary paperwork the next day. This made me believe, at least for the moment, that things were legitimate.
The Trap Becomes Clear
Shortly after, he asked me for $1,000 again, claiming he had already started the process. I hesitated but decided to give him $500 as a test. I sent the money to his friend’s bank account, which felt odd but seemed like a way to gauge his authenticity.
Days passed, and when I followed up, he kept making excuses. He claimed that he hadn’t started the process yet but would do so soon. Meanwhile, he continued asking for more money.
In an effort to reinforce his trustworthiness, he invited my family and me to his home for lunch. We met his family, which momentarily made me question my suspicions. Was I misjudging him?
However, after a few days, he asked for more money again. This was the breaking point—I realized he was trying to extract as much money from me as possible. I stopped contacting him, and he stopped calling me as well. It became painfully clear that I had fallen for a scam.
Lessons Learned: How to Spot and Avoid Fraud
After speaking with a lawyer, I was told that I should have included a description in my bank transfer, marking it as a loan. Since I had transferred the money to his friend’s account without any legal documentation, there was no way to prove my claim in court.
This experience taught me several important lessons:
- Recognizing Red Flags: The “Too Good to Be True” Principle
- If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone is offering an easy solution to a complex problem, approach with caution.
- Building Trust Through Authenticity and Kindness
- Fraudsters often use small gestures of kindness to build trust. Genuine kindness comes naturally, while fraudulent acts often have a hidden agenda.
- Questioning Authenticity in Loan Interactions
- If someone you barely know asks for a loan, especially with no legal documentation, it’s a major warning sign.
- Reflections on Authenticity and Personal Experience
- Coming from a background where fraud was rare, I was more susceptible to believing in people’s sincerity. It’s important to always remain vigilant.
- Warning Signs: Ignoring Advice on Fraudulence
- My wife had warned me, but I ignored her advice. Always listen to your instincts and the warnings of those you trust.
Final Words: Stay Cautious
Fraud can happen anywhere, but in certain places, it is more common. Whether it’s in real estate, small businesses, or even taxis, always be cautious when dealing with financial matters. I share my experience so that others can learn from my mistakes and avoid falling into similar traps.
Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and never hand over money without legal safeguards in place.