Turkey
31 scams
Turkey, is where the world meets. Since ancient times, the Trojans, Mongols, Romans, Greeks, and Ottomans have traversed these plains and Turkey today offers a fascinating cultural experience.
That said, there are a number of tourist targeted scams to watch out for here.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Tourism police: +90 212 527 45 03
- Medical emergency/ambulance: 112
- Fire: 110
- Police: 155
Travel guide

Would you like a drink bar scam in Turkey
11 13How it works: Situation: this is a common scam in Eastern Europe, where bar owners, bar girls, employees and sometimes even police officers are involved. Opening: a stranger asks if…
Read more…Fraudulent tour operators in Turkey
6 2How it works: Situation: there are fly by night tour agencies which sell non-existent tours or overpriced tours of low quality and with little safety consideration. Set-up: they may pass…
Read more…Shoe shine scam in Turkey
6 0How it works: Opening: scammer drops his shoe shine equipment beside you “accidentally”. If you help pick it up, they will offer to provide shoe shine services to you for…
Read more…Carpet and other shopping scams in Turkey
6 7How it works: Opening: A tout claims to know the best sellers and can help you get a “local” price, or wants to offer you Turkish Tea. He then brings…
Read more…Pickpockets in Turkey
5 3How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
Read more…Fayton (horse carriage) scam in Turkey
6 0How it works: A horse carriage ride is firstly expensive, and secondly may skip past places of interest and send you to a tea place where they receive a commission….
Read more…Unofficial guides in Turkey
5 1How it works: Opening: Unofficial guides will offer to help you skip the queue if you sign up for an expensive private tour with them. Set-up: First, they will overcharge…
Read more…Price quote scam in Turkey
5 1How it works: A vendor tells you that an item costs 50. You assume it is 50 Liras, only to have your credit card swiped for 50 Euros without you…
Read more…Ancient City of Ephesus taxi scams in Turkey
5 0How it works: Scam 1: cab drivers at one entrance will claim that the other entrance does not have a shuttle. Thus, they suggest you take a cab ride there,…
Read more…Property scam in Turkey
4 1How it works: Situation: many property scams where both investors and tourists have fell for fraudulent apartment listings. Red flags: cheap prices, copy-pasted description, dodgy sounding reviews, difference in photos…
Read more…