SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
Romance Scam Information Alert
Turkey Is Now A Hub Of Dating Scams
It is logical that this will flow into all of the fringe countries of Europe!
Turkey romance scams are a growing problem and international investigators say it is perhaps one of the fastest growing countries in the world for fraud, ranking with Malaysia and the UAE. Law enforcement and private investigators say it is essencial to use extra caution when communicating with people in these countries, and understand there is an increase risk online.
A Prime Example
Reprinted from an email of a victim from TurkeyCentral
I don’t know if he is for real or scamming me. I dated someone from Morocco a few years back and I know that men from other countries can be a lot more expressive and romantic. This “turk” I’ve met seems a lot like my ex. Very romantic, moving very fast, etc.. He has sent me multiple photos and I did quiz him on the area we both live in and he seems to know the area. He sounds like he is from Turkey and does speak and type in broken English. I am not disputing he’s from Turkey as that seems on the up and up. What is odd is that he can’t call much and he is out of town all of a sudden.
He claims he will be back into town this weekend and even sent me the airline confirmation email from the airline. I felt better then because that showed me he is where he said he was and he is coming back home to where he says home is. Another thing that concerns me is that he has a LA phone number. He claimed he had to come in through LA to get all his paperwork in order when coming into the country from Turkey. I checked and there are only 4 Turkish consulates in the US and LA is one of them. I live in the Midwest. He said he moved to my area because a Turkish friend of his lives here, but has now moved to Texas. I live in a bigger city and he claims to be living in a small town right outside the city. Unless you are familiar with the area, you wouldn’t come up with this small town.. He has information about it and seems to know about the area… The phone number does throw me off. I did some searching online and found a Facebook page that matches what he says.
I am thinking it is too good to be true. He is good looking and is very romantic and seems anxious to meet me. It could be that he is out of town for a job and has some phone issues as he is on a yacht if he is to be believed.
I could not figure out what possible angle he’s have for lying until last night. I already know from him he has a son still living in Turkey. He says he is bringing his son to the US before the end of the year because his ex-wife has died. Here’s when things went wrong. He said his son was in an accident. The hospital needed money. He said his son is in boarding school in Turkey and lives with a Guardian. The Guardian had some of the money but not all. I played along and asked how much. He only said 450 dollars and that he would pay me back when he was in town this weekend, but he had no way of getting any money there being on the ocean on this yacht. I refused. I said I just couldn’t do that because I had not met him yet. He seemed upset at first that I didn’t trust him. I was fine ending things right there.
He then said he understood. He didn’t want that to be something that ended things with us and he would talk to me later. He said he felt bad for asking. I made it clear I had to meet him before I could trust him. I don’t know if he was just not thinking straight because he was upset over his son (if he has one) or if he is scamming me.
The scams don’t change, only the location. Tragic.
Background Checks Are The Key
If you need to investigate someone in Turkey or elsewhere, here is a resource: http://globalinvestigations.blogspot.com/2013/03/turkey-background-checks-prevent.html
A Related Scam:
They have a scam going for International flights that have layovers in Istanbul. If you book several months ahead of time they will show flights with very short layover times and decent arrival times at your destination. Eventually, after they sell the seats on the plane, they will change the layover times and add several hours and you end up with horrible arrival and departure times at your destination.
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
Article Rating
Table of Contents
POPULAR ARTICLES
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
ARTICLE META
RATE THIS ARTICLE?
LEAVE A COMMENT?
Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.
Recent Comments
On Other Articles
on SCARS INSTITUTE SCAM WARNINGS – 2025: “This list is astounding! This just shows the general public has no idea the lengths the criminals will go to…” Jul 12, 10:17
on Nigeria – [EFCC] Economic & Financial Crimes Commission: “Thank you for your comment, but this is patently false. China is the source for the most scammers. Brazil has…” Jul 9, 06:20
on Nigeria – [EFCC] Economic & Financial Crimes Commission: “NIgeria has produced more scammers than the whole world produced. Seems like their law enforcement is pretty incompetent.” Jul 8, 02:51
on Romance Scams – Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis – 2025: “Excellent compendium of knowledge on romance scams . Thank you Dr. Tim” Jul 5, 07:43
on Romance Scams – Crime Typology Overview / Victim Impact Analysis – 2025: “Dr. Tim, in the couple of hours you took to pull this information together into a victim impact analysis, is…” Jul 4, 18:56
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
Does anyone have any information concerning a Sandra A. Young working in Turkey Also goes by the name of Crystal Young ?
I believe I have been scammed and want to share if anyone else got this story: A man on a UN peacekeeping ship in the Mediterranean. Twin daughters in school in Istanbul until his covert contact is over in May. Originally on Me We then hangouts on Google. Wife died 10 years ago of cancer.
Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of other victims got that story, it is a very common scammer script. Be sure you delete your Google Hangouts profile and account – it is full of scammers. Also be sure to read our Three Steps Guide for New Victims on our home page
Thank you for your reply. I hope that this mans photo and story being exposed and reported will stop someone else. It is soul crushing and certainly traumatic especially since you cannot talk about it with anyone due to shame. My faith in humanity has been shredded, and I truly never thought there were such vile, evil people until experiencing it myself. I will definitely read your tips. Thank you ever so much.
It will not stop it, sadly because people never believe it will happen to them. While we focus on education to avoid scams, most of our visitors are already victims.
I am currently talking to someone who says he is from the USA but is doing a job in Turkey on a rig. He has been sending me photos and its the same man in each even videos. I have asked him to call me several times he did 2xs and he even called my daughters phone 4xs. Its very hard to believe and Im so skeptical but in another sense I do want to believe its true. I would love to be able to confirm that he is really who he says he is.
Wanting to believe is how you get scammed. Ask him simply to do something very specific such as take a photo with that day’s newspaper. Photos are stolen, and videos too. Scammers are very capable of fooling you. But if you have any doubt, just report him and then block him. Life is too short to waste on scammers.
whats his name? Have same experience
You are also welcome to join our support groups at http://www.ScamVictimSupport.org
OMG Help me! I have not been scammed but he sure as hell is trying. I keep catching him in lies. He lives in Istanbul, Turkey. He is handsome. He asked if I could send him an Amazon card. LOl I told him heck no, you got me messed up!! I have pictures of him ( even naked pictures) However when I do an image search, nothing come up not even his name. He yells at me convinced I am insecure. No homeboy, I am not desperate. I don’t give men money. OMG Please help me. Why did he ask me for an Amazon card? He did mention something about his phone.
This is very simple. You are being scammed. No question. You now need to report him here on our website or on http://www.Anyscam.com, then block him completely. Do not accept messages, emails, or phone calls. He is a scammer – it is that simple.
did this person asked you to purchase the amazon gift card and send him the card through picture or just to send him through mail
I would love to see what this guy looks like. As I have someone currently trying to scam me. He is from Turkey, maybe? Good looking at about 54. He contacted me on Instagram. I have lots of pictures, his email, phone number. I have talked to him. Says he is stuck in Yemen blah blah blah. Needs to get back to New York. Of course, I have not sent him anything. I can’t verify anything he has said.
You don’t need to verify. You need to STOP all contact. Here are the 3 STEPS you should follow now: https://againstscams.org/for-new-scam-victims-the-3-steps/
There is a man named Anthony (Tony) James who claims to be from the United States, New Zealand Originally., very very sexy! He is the biggest scammer every. His tactics follow that of a typical scammer but he is so smooth and a sweet talker that it seems ok. I even talked to him several times about how he seems like a scammer and he had so many answers. STAY AWAY FROM THIS MAN! He will rob you blind and steal your heart. I did the google image and all his images come up selfies. I tried to catch him in lies and never good until he never got off the plane after 17,000 worth of borrowing money.
Has anyone been scammed by woman named Serena Petersen?
A guy claimin to be from Sweden gave me a long run story being a milioner but got in to some Financial trouble on a construction site, from then it when on lying more and more keep on asking for money, said to be living in usa san francisco all description of places where wrong very romantic and sweet but a constant request for funds, if you fall for the lying you will be broke in your heart and walllet, do not trust the pictures he use are not his as he continues to change who he is from person to person .
Be careful … :(
What was your guys name? Do you have pic?
I also have be en contacted by a guy claiming to be from sweden an airline pilot working for turkish airlines going by the name of Oscar Karlsson his message seem to be scripted and his whole family have died ? Straight away wanted me to come off dating site.Inoticed a lady who had used the same site had been scammed 2 weeks earlier by a david oscar karlsson she had reported this .
That sounds like the guy Im talking to too! He is working for the turkish airlines for pilot training. He goes by the name Oscar Lundberg. We have video chatted and voice chatted. Keeps asking for money he says for a flight simulator. Tries to act very romantic and says he has a 5 year old daughter in sweden but hes stuck in turkey because he lost all of his credentials and needs help to buy a flight simulator asap so he can leave turkey for my love and his daughter.
Meme, you know you are being scammed right? Just report him, block, him and move on with your life.
Meme – I am talking to the same man now. Goes by the name Alex Oscar Forsberg. Exact same story. It was the concierge who ran away with his money and passports. We have Skyped whilst he was flying a plane. Exact same story… Met on dating site. Initially he had shipped gifts to me, I then get an email saying i need to pay £2865 to release the bags from customs! Then to pay £1500 fro the simulator.. I’m pleased to say I have not paid him a penny.
I think i hav been scammed by the same guy back in May 2019 but he is still in ontact todau feb 2020. proclaiming his inicents. did he meionec name of daughger and home address“ in sweden?
I also am a victim of a scam between Turkey and U.K. London
Are you on Facebook? Do a search for RSN on facebook and look for our Support Groups
A handsome guy from Istanbul , Turkey claims to be a doctor working for the USA military . Whatever ! I felt in Love in with him from the begging he was calling and texting me everyday for 2 months til he started asking me for money for a Liberty pass and airplane ticket to come back Home to the USA. He mention that he wasn’t allow to access money over there because is a dangerous country .. Long story short . So he scammed for the liberty pass , airplane ticket and a certificate that he wasn’t allowed to come in the USA without it … apparently he was stuck there for a month waiting for me to send him the money for the certificate … After he left the camp he wasn’t the same man I felt in Love with… It was no longer a romantic relationship . It became a business to him .. So stopped the texting and communication with me for days and I would ignored my messages til I emailed him and He reply back with a sad story that he was detained at the airport by a Federal officer and all devices and communication was taken from him … So he stopped talking to me for days again and contacted me to help him get of Prison . He emailed the information . I kind of believed him but deep inside I knew he was lying to me because he lied to me about the Liberty pass , ticket and certificate .. And he called me again with a sad story that he was being rapped by different men In the prison cell crying and crying to me over the phone … Asking him to help him get out and to send the money to his lawyer to bail him out because he thinks he might not survive more days … Call failed . I messaged him that I Love him and he never reply back .
Do you accept now that it was a scam Maria? You know it was right?
Wow I wonder if this is the same guy who has been trying to scam me. Do you have pictures of him?
You can report the scam on this site or on http://www.Anyscam.com
This story seems all too familiar. And I mean almost EXACTLY like mine. The scammers story that is.
What woman NEED to do if they will listen…. Don’t ask other victims for pics of the scammer. It doesn’t matter. IT’S NOT THE REAL PERSON.
[EDITED DUE TO URL ERROR]
REPORT ALL SCAMS TO:
http://www.IC3.gov + http://www.Anyscam.com + reportfraud.FTC.gov
it’s always best to refer people to the experts at SCARS.
ı receive too many friendship offers from ghana, from girls. they all go the same way to send a photo, chat abit than say dont hv money for internet, webcam, even for buying food. If you are a caring person it really hurts for being unable to help money vise or teacing them how much it will hurt the scamed person
Please be very cautious. I did my due diligence and found out it was a scam. The only thing that I regret is that I confronted the person. I then turned it around and played the part so that the scammer would trust that I would not go to the authorities. Remember if u are texting and emailing them. They can find your location if your settings for your navigations are on. Unfortunately, I was not aware of that until much correspondence was pursued. Once I realized that, I turned off all my locations on all my devices, iPad, laptop and phone. Also do not give out info about the town in which u live in and especially not your last name. I found upon researching my name that my name and address sowed up on Spokeo, white pages and some other sites. And do not give them your Facebook! For as cautious as I was I found after much research that they can easily find u if given them even a bit of information. Since this is such big business for them, I have no doubt that any legal action or investigations threatened by u will put your life in danger. My advice is play it and eventually stop communicating showing no more interest. Hope this post is helpful to all that come across this situation.
All you did by confronting the scammer was teach them to be a better scammer. They have no fear of you.
I have definitely been scammed by someone saying they were Australian and working in Turkey. What a bloody fool am I !!
If you are one facebook, join our Scam Survivors Support Group – we can help https://www.facebook.com/groups/rsn.public.group/
I believe I have been a victim of a Turkish scam :(