Digital fraud methods are increasing day by day. The last method of brokers is to defraud citizens through fake reservations using the names of famous restaurants. So how does fake booking scam work? Using artificial intelligence technologies, fraudsters copy the websites of famous restaurants exactly and present all the information as real through fake sites. While fake sites look like real restaurant sites; The same logos, menus and information are used. When citizens enter these sites to make a reservation, thinking they are real, they see that they are asked for money under the name of deposit. Customers who pay a deposit for a delightful dinner find out that they have been defrauded when they knock on the door of the restaurant.
CHEF ARDA GOT HIS SHARE
In the new fraud method, especially popular venues are targeted, while brokers aim to reach more people. Finally, while Chef Arda Türkmen’s restaurant also gets its share of brokers, it is “too late” for those who make reservations through fake sites and pay a deposit!
PAY ATTENTION TO THE URL
Forensic IT Specialist Prof. explains what needs to be done to avoid being a victim of such frauds. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık stated that the website should be carefully examined and be official. Broken, “In the browser If the URL starts with “https://” and has a lock symbol, it is a sign of trustworthiness. The restaurant must be contacted directly. To make a reservation, call the restaurant’s known phone number instead of online. “You can check this number on the restaurant’s social media accounts or reliable map applications,” he said.
DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE DEPOSIT REQUEST!
Pointing out that most restaurants will not ask for a down payment for reservation requests, Kırık said, “If you come across a site that demands a down payment, ask the restaurant officials directly. Check their social media accounts. Announcements about fraud are generally shared on the restaurants’ social media accounts. You can also understand their reliability by checking out reviews and customers’ experiences. In suspicious cases, notify the authorities and file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office. If you realize you have been scammed, contact the restaurant and law enforcement immediately. “Remember that always being careful and checking the accuracy of the information you encounter on the internet can protect you from such scams.”

THEY ARE ABANDONING THE SECRET
Speaking about the fake reservation fraud, Consumer Confederation President Aydın Ağaoğlu reminded that the discussions on whether it is legal for restaurants to ask for a deposit have continued recently and made the following statements: “When this issue became a hot topic, fraudsters copied the websites of famous restaurants and started receiving fake reservations. Citizens are aware of this fact.” “When they find out at the entrance of the place, the fraudsters keep secret.”
COMPLAIN TO THE PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE
Listing what needs to be done to avoid falling into this trap, Ağaoğlu said, “Make sure to make payment after calling the restaurant from the landline number. If they spend your payments as a disposable virtual card, this would be a safer way. Because fraudsters can continue transactions after receiving the card information.” Citizens defrauded in this way Complaint to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office Stating that it is necessary, Ağaoğlu concluded his statements by saying, “The bank to which the money was sent must also be warned in writing and informed that an investigation has been initiated. If payment was made by card, that money may be refunded. If the bank knows that this account opened with it is a fraud account, it may take action accordingly.”
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