The Problem
You are shopping in a famous bazaar. A salesman offers you a "genuine designer handbag" or a "hand-knotted silk carpet" at a bargain price. You are convinced by the certificate of authenticity they provide, only to return home and find out the item is a cheap, mass-produced fake.
How the Law Works in Turkey
Selling counterfeit goods (Sahte Ürün) as genuine is a form of Fraud (Dolandırıcılık) and a violation of the Intellectual Property Law. Furthermore, Turkey has strict consumer protection laws that apply to tourists. If a seller misrepresents the quality, material, or origin of a product to secure a sale, the contract is legally void due to "deception."
What the Tourist Should Do
Always demand a formal, itemized receipt (Fiş or Fatura) that clearly states the description of the item (e.g., "100% Silk Carpet"). Without a receipt, it is your word against theirs. If you suspect a scam while still in the area, do not argue with the seller; go straight to the "Zabıta" (Municipal Police) or the Tourism Police located in the bazaar.
The Risks
The financial loss is obvious, but there is also a customs risk. If you buy several "fake designer" items and try to leave Turkey, or enter your home country, customs officers may confiscate the goods and fine you for importing counterfeit products. For "antique" carpets, you may be stopped at the airport if the item is suspected of being a historical artifact, which requires an export permit.
LetFix Solution
If you have spent a significant amount on a fraudulent purchase and the seller refuses a refund, we can initiate a claim with the Consumer Arbitration Committee or file a fraud complaint with the prosecutor's office to recover your money.
