Fraudsters swindle millions of liras through residence permit scams
Fraudsters operating fake residence permit websites and unauthorized consultancy offices have swindled millions of Turkish Liras from foreign nationals and Turkish employers by promising expedited immigration services, Turkish authorities have warned.
The schemes target foreigners seeking residence permits in Türkiye through misleading websites, social media accounts and unlicensed consultancy centers. Victims are lured with offers such as “fast residence permits,” “guaranteed appointments” and paid document preparation services. Authorities say scammers also promise permit approvals and appointment guarantees in exchange for payments.
Investigations found that some businesses posing as consultancy centers collected money through so-called “file preparation fees” while presenting themselves as part of an official process.
According to the Directorate General of Migration Management, some fraudulent websites gained visibility through paid search engine advertisements and social media promotions, making it easier to deceive applicants.
