In the digital age, love knows no borders – but unfortunately, neither does fraud. Online romance scams have become a global menace, leaving emotional and financial devastation in their wake. In a troubling trend that has gained momentum in recent years, a growing number of foreign women have fallen victim to romance scams orchestrated by individuals based in or claiming ties to Türkiye. These scams often involve Turkish men presenting themselves as charming, successful, and emotionally available partners, only to manipulate their targets into transferring money under false pretenses.

According to official figures from the U.S. Mission in Türkiye, the embassy receives up to 100 inquiries per month that ultimately turn out to be romance scams. Many victims are initially contacted online, engage in long-term digital relationships, and are later presented with fabricated emergencies – such as arrests, hospitalizations, or travel issues – requiring urgent financial support. In several cases, the scammers may even impersonate lawyers or police officers to enhance the deception.

This article explores the legal dimensions of these transnational fraud schemes, particularly those perpetrated from or involving actors in Türkiye. It sheds light on how these scams are structured, the legal consequences for perpetrators, and the options available to victims seeking justice and recovery through the Turkish legal system. By offering legal insights, practical guidance, and institutional resources, we aim to inform potential victims and support those who have already been targeted.

How Romance Scams Typically Operate

Romance scams are carefully orchestrated schemes that prey on emotional vulnerability, trust, and hope. While the methods may vary, the general structure of these scams follows a recognizable pattern—especially in cases involving perpetrators based in or linked to Türkiye.

• Initial Contact and Grooming: The scam usually begins with a seemingly innocent encounter on a dating platform, social media, or even professional networking sites. Turkish scammers often use well-crafted profiles that present them as educated, family-oriented, and fluent in English or other widely spoken languages. Their photographs may depict attractive individuals in uniform, business settings, or luxury environments to convey credibility and success. Once contact is made, the scammer invests time and effort in developing a romantic relationship. This grooming phase can last for weeks, months, or even years. The scammer will frequently profess deep affection, speak of future plans (often involving travel or marriage), and use emotionally charged language to build attachment.

• Isolation and Emotional Manipulation: As the relationship develops, the scammer subtly discourages the victim from discussing the relationship with family or friends. They may create elaborate stories to justify their inability to meet in person – citing military deployment, visa issues, or work assignments in remote regions. The scammer gradually becomes the victim’s most trusted confidant, which lays the groundwork for financial exploitation. Often, the victim is made to feel that helping the scammer financially is a natural extension of their “love.”

• The Emergency Request: At a calculated point, a crisis is introduced. This could involve:
  • Being detained at a Turkish airport and needing legal or consular assistance.
  • Sudden hospitalization or a fabricated medical emergency.
  • Stolen passports, lost luggage, or business investment opportunities that are supposedly time-sensitive.
  • In many instances, third parties claiming to be Turkish lawyers, customs officials, or hospital administrators may contact the victim to corroborate the urgency and demand immediate payment via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or international money orders.

• Repeated Requests and Vanishing Acts: Once the victim complies with the first request, more emergencies tend to follow. Each payment is often met with further complications – more documents needed, unexpected fines, or extended hospital stays. The scam continues until the victim refuses to send more money or begins questioning the legitimacy of the story.

Eventually, the scammer may disappear entirely, or invent a final excuse (e.g., death or disappearance) to sever contact without closure.

Legal Framework and Criminal Implications in Türkiye

Türkiye’s legal system provides several avenues to address romance scams that involve fraud, deception, and exploitation, especially when such acts are perpetrated by Turkish nationals targeting foreign victims.

• Fraud under the Turkish Penal Code (TPC): Romance scams fall primarily under the crime of fraud as defined in Article 157 of the Turkish Penal Code, which penalizes individuals who deceive others with the intent of obtaining unlawful financial gain. Where aggravating circumstances exist – such as use of a fabricated identity, impersonation of a public official, or targeting vulnerable individuals – Article 158 allows for enhanced penalties. The TPC foresees imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years for basic fraud, and 2 to 7 years for aggravated fraud, along with judicial fines.

• Use of False Documents and Identity: Scammers often create or use forged identity documents, which may constitute an offense under Article 204 of the TPC (forgery of official documents) or Article 207 (forgery of private documents). These are punishable by imprisonment and are frequently prosecuted when the scam involves fake legal paperwork, travel documents, or impersonation of professionals like lawyers or diplomats.

• Cybercrime and Communication-Based Offenses: Many romance scams are conducted over digital platforms. Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Publications on the Internet and Combating Crimes Committed through Such Publications, along with Law No. 5237 (TPC), enables Turkish authorities to pursue crimes committed through information systems. If the fraud is carried out via email, social media, or messaging platforms, this adds a cybercrime dimension to the case.

• Jurisdiction and Cross-Border Cooperation: In cases involving foreign victims, Turkish criminal jurisdiction can still apply if the perpetrator is a Turkish national or resides in Türkiye. Turkish prosecutors may initiate investigations based on victim complaints or embassy notifications. Victims are not required to be physically present in Türkiye to file a complaint; however, they may need to provide a notarized power of attorney authorizing a Turkish lawyer to represent them. Moreover, cooperation with foreign missions – such as the U.S. Mission in Türkiye, which reportedly receives up to 100 romance scam inquiries per month—is instrumental in facilitating legal proceedings.

• Civil Remedies and Asset Recovery: Victims may also pursue civil claims for unjust enrichment (haksız zenginleşme) under the Turkish Civil Code. If the scammer has identifiable assets in Türkiye, a Turkish court may issue a precautionary injunction (ihtiyati tedbir) to freeze those assets pending litigation. While this process requires a separate legal track, it can be a strategic complement to criminal proceedings, particularly in cases where restitution is the goal.

Protective Measures and Legal Recourse for Victims

Victims of romance scams – particularly foreign women targeted by Turkish nationals – have a range of legal tools and protective mechanisms available under Turkish law. Once the complaint is filed, the public prosecutor can launch a formal investigation, summon suspects and witnesses, and request records (such as bank transfers or communication logs) from relevant institutions. However, timely action and legal representation are crucial to achieving effective redress.

• Filing a Criminal Complaint in Türkiye: Victims can initiate criminal proceedings by filing a complaint with the Turkish public prosecutor’s office. If the victim resides abroad, this can be done through:
  • A Turkish consulate or embassy abroad,
  • A local lawyer in Türkiye via a notarized power of attorney, or
  • Collaboration with foreign missions in Türkiye, such as the U.S. Mission, which routinely assists scam victims.

• Precautionary Measures: Freezing Assets: To prevent dissipation of the scammer’s assets, a victim may apply for a precautionary injunction od freezing assets. To obtain this measure, the applicant must demonstrate that there is an urgent risk of harm and provide some preliminary evidence of the scam. This interim measure is especially important in financial fraud cases and can be used to:
  • Freeze bank accounts,
  • Block the sale of real estate,
  • Secure other movable or immovable property in Türkiye.

• Cross-Border Judgment Recognition: If a victim obtains a civil judgment in a foreign court -such as in the United States, the UK, or Canada – that judgment can be recognized and enforced in Türkiye, subject to the requirements of international private law (IPR). These requirements generally include:
  • Reciprocity of enforcement between the countries,
  • A final and binding judgment,
  • Compliance with Turkish public policy and due process standards.

This path can help recover financial damages, especially when the fraudster has assets located in Türkiye.

• Personal Safety and Digital Protection: Victims should also consider the digital and emotional safety aspects of these scams. Scam artists may continue to harass or blackmail victims after the relationship ends. In such cases:
  • Restraining orders may be available under Law No. 6284 (Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence Against Women),
  • Cybersecurity measures (e.g., reporting accounts, blocking communication channels, notifying platforms) should be immediately taken,
  • Victims should report any threats or extortion attempts to both local law enforcement and the relevant diplomatic mission.

Legal Representation in Türkiye

Because romance scams often involve intricate legal and factual questions – ranging from identity fraud to money laundering – victims are strongly advised to work with a reputable Turkish law firm experienced in:

• Cross-border litigation and fraud cases,
• Asset recovery and precautionary injunctions,
• Criminal procedure and victim representation.

Such representation not only improves the chance of a successful outcome but also protects the victim’s rights and privacy throughout the legal process.

Preventive Advice

Romance scams with a Turkish twist represent not only a personal betrayal but also a serious legal and financial threat, especially for foreign women emotionally and financially manipulated by individuals posing as romantic partners. These scams are increasingly sophisticated, leveraging technology, false identities, and psychological manipulation over extended periods.

Victims should be aware that they are not alone. U.S. diplomatic missions in Türkiye report receiving as many as 100 inquiries per month related to such scams. The frequency and scope of these cases underscore the importance of early detection and legal action.

Practical Preventive Measures

To protect against romance scams, individuals are encouraged to:

• Exercise caution with online relationships that escalate quickly into emotional or financial dependency.
• Avoid sending money to individuals who cannot be verified or have never been met in person.
• Verify identities and claims, especially stories involving arrests, hospitalizations, or emergencies requiring urgent financial support.
• Consult legal counsel if in doubt, particularly when foreign jurisdictions and large transfers are involved.
• Report suspicions to diplomatic missions or fraud watchdogs, which may have ongoing investigations or preventive alerts.

How Bıçak Can Help?

At Bıçak, we are committed to helping victims of romance scams assert their rights and pursue justice under Turkish law. Our services include:

• Filing criminal complaints and initiating fraud investigations in Türkiye,
• Freezing assets through criminal and civil injunctions,
• Representing victims in court proceedings and asset recovery cases,
• Coordinating cross-border enforcement of foreign judgments,
• Advising embassies, consulates, and individuals on legal remedies for fraud.

We approach each case with professionalism, confidentiality, and empathy – empowering our clients with both legal remedies and peace of mind.

If you believe you or a loved one may have fallen victim to a romance scam involving a Turkish national, do not hesitate to seek legal advice. Early legal intervention can prevent further losses and help bring scammers to justice.