The Problem
Your passport and wallet are stolen. You think the only issue is getting a new passport to go home. However, days later, you find out someone has used your identity to rent a car, commit a fraud, or open a bank account in Turkey using your details.
How the Law Works in Turkey
Identity theft (Kişisel Verilerin Hukuka Aykırı Olarak Ele Geçirilmesi) is a serious crime in Turkey. If a criminal commits a crime using your stolen passport, you are the suspect of record in the national UYAP system. By law, you are responsible for any actions taken with your identity until you prove the theft occurred and was officially reported.
What the Tourist Should Do
Reporting to your embassy is NOT enough. You must go to a Turkish police station and file a formal "Theft Report" (Hırsızlık Tutanağı). Ensure the report includes the serial number of your stolen passport. This report acts as a legal "cut-off" point; you are not responsible for crimes after the report.
The Risks
The primary risk is being arrested at the border or in a hotel for a crime you didn't commit. If a criminal uses your ID to commit a scam, a warrant will be issued in your name. If you haven't filed a local police report, you will be detained and potentially face a long trial before you can prove your innocence.
LetFix Solution
If your ID has been misused, we file emergency petitions to the Prosecutor’s office to link your police report to any fraudulent activities, clearing your name from the national criminal databases.
