Antalya Probes Surge in Holiday Booking Fraud as Complaints Jump 114%

Turkish authorities in the coastal city of Antalya are investigating a spike in reports of scammers tricking tourists, especially Russians, into paying for holiday bookings that never materialize. The municipality said it received warnings from travel industry insiders about fraudulent activity, particularly involving bungalow rentals. Local police have been tasked with verifying the claims, and officials vowed to take legal action against anyone found responsible.

"We have passed the information to the relevant law enforcement units," a municipal representative said. "If the facts are confirmed, all necessary legal steps will be taken immediately." The government is also urging vacationers to book only through reputable tour operators and official online platforms to avoid falling victim. Separately, a tour operator in Bodrum reported a rise in similar complaints, indicating the problem extends across the Turkish Riviera.

The urgency is underscored by fresh data from Turkey's consumer complaints platform, Şikayetvar. Over the past week, complaints about bungalow rental fraud surged by 114%. Chain hotel bookings saw a 58% increase, car rental scams climbed 46%, hotel booking site fraud rose 45%, and intercity bus ticket scams jumped 23%. Travelers are advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious offers to local authorities.