Varsak, who held financial literacy seminars for university students as well as security and police officers, said IBAN fraud can be committed in different ways.
Varsak explained that one of these methods is “IBAN rental”: “They use the accounts of university students, especially for a certain monthly fee, for the purpose of money laundering. Together with our rectorate and the provincial police, we explain to the students the sanctions of this crime.”
Varsak explained that some fraudsters can send fake messages by hijacking the message lines through which companies communicate with customers, noting that payments can be made to customers by sending a message that the company's IBAN number has changed.
Varsak pointed out that some fraudsters also send small amounts of money to the accounts of people whose IBANs they have identified for the purpose of money laundering.
Varsak explained that the scammers then call the person whose account the money was transferred to: “The scammers say, 'We transferred money to your account by mistake. Can you send it back?'” They send the money back to the IBAN provided by the counterparty. As you know, when someone sends you money, you cannot see the other party's IBAN. They are also taking advantage of this situation.” he said.
Contact the bank if money arrives in the account from an unknown person
Explaining how the method works, Varsak said: “Actually, the money is not sent by the fraudster who calls you, but by one of his partners. When the counterparty tells you the amount of money, he gains trust. If you send the money to the specified IBAN, you become a participant in the crime.”
Varsak emphasized that in such cases the account should be blocked by contacting the bank: “Make sure your bank sends this money to the appropriate IBAN. Otherwise, you will become the interlocutor of the matter. This person may be laundering money. This way he is out of the way and not involved in a crime.”
Varsak stated that some fraudsters sent money to these accounts to check the activity status of the seized accounts.
As an example of another method, Varsak continued his words as follows:
“On websites where vehicles or real estate are bought and sold, fake advertisements may appear that are well below the market value of the goods offered for sale. If you are interested in the property, you will be asked to pay a small deposit to the mentioned IBAN. If an amount such as a few thousand lira is requested, do not be afraid to deposit it.”
Varsak added that fraudsters carry out this transaction on dozens of people every day, collecting large amounts of money.
In one year, 22,403 people were informed in Bilecik
Last year, 22,403 people were notified of IBAN fraud by the Provincial Police Department's Community Supported Policing Branch.
On certain days of the week, teams visit Ataturk Park in the city center, workplaces, schools, market halls and ATMs, warning citizens about fraud methods, including IBAN fraud.
In this context, the teams have informed 22,403 people and distributed 17,65 brochures since February 2025.
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