Scam Alert: Commenters Paid for Fake Reviews on Google Maps – Last Minute Turkey News
The Police Department’s Anti-Cyber Crimes Branch has recently launched an investigation following a complaint filed by a city resident. The investigation revealed a sophisticated scam that targeted more than 1,500 individuals across the country.
The suspects behind the scam operated by sending messages to people asking them to give feedback and ratings to certain companies on Google Maps. Victims were also coerced into making small payments to gain trust, with promises of larger payments if they joined a “VIP group” and transferred money. The scammers then laundered the funds through various bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets, ultimately converting them into untraceable cash stored in cold wallets.
The fraudulent scheme amassed a staggering total of 1.2 billion liras, prompting the police to take action in 19 provinces. Simultaneous operations were conducted at 95 addresses, resulting in the apprehension of 76 suspects in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, and other cities. During the raids, law enforcement officers seized bank cards, digital devices, unlicensed firearms, and ammunition.
The arrested suspects underwent health checks before being taken into custody at the police station in Nevşehir. While most of the perpetrators were captured, efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the remaining 8 fugitive suspects who are currently believed to be outside the country.
The Police Department’s swift response and coordinated efforts have helped thwart a large-scale cyber scam that preyed on unsuspecting victims. Authorities are committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of the public against such fraudulent activities.
