You find an attractive property and are told to pay a deposit before someone else takes it. After payment, the advertiser disappears. Electronic listing verification is useful, but it does not remove every risk in a rental or sale.
What does EİDS verify?
EİDS addresses identity and authority to advertise. A verified listing does not guarantee the property’s physical or legal condition, contract validity or repayment. Check the actual platform record rather than a screenshot. An agency’s advertising authority and the owner or representative’s authority to contract are also different.
Checks before making a payment
Verify the property and counterpart, matching ownership, representation, recipient and contract. Do not rely solely on a title-deed image sent by phone or a social-media profile. Authority to advertise may not include collecting money. Record the payment’s purpose and any refund conditions in writing.
The word “deposit” does not decide the outcome
Earnest money, an agreed withdrawal payment, rent paid in advance and money obtained by deception can have different legal classifications. The transfer description, agreement, messages and conduct must be read together. Neither automatic forfeiture nor automatic refund should be assumed. A nonexistent property or false representation requires separate scrutiny.
After sending the money
Preserve the listing URL and reference, screenshots, messages and payment record. Notify the bank promptly and obtain a reference. Evidence-based criminal reporting may be appropriate if deception is suspected; a genuine contractual refund dispute calls for a separate civil route. The debtor, competent forum and mediation requirements depend on the relationship.
How to organise your application file
Set out events chronologically and match each payment, instruction and reply to its record. Keep original files and capture screenshots with dates and URLs. Retain proof of delivery for written applications. If a statement changes, preserve the earlier version as well. Avoid publishing identity and account information on public channels.
Frequently asked question
Which records should I keep after paying a fake-listing deposit?
Keep the listing URL and screenshot, advertiser profile, correspondence, payment description and transfer receipt together. If the listing has been removed, preserve the records you have and note when it disappeared.
DISCUSS YOUR CASE
Discuss a payment made for a fraudulent property listing
We can review the listing, correspondence, payment record and possible routes for seeking repayment to assess your options under Turkish law.
A brief summary and important dates are enough for an initial enquiry. Send documents only when requested by our lawyers, through the channel they specify. Do not share passwords, one-time codes or wallet keys.
Sources and legislation
Ministry of Trade: Electronic Listing Verification System (EİDS)
Ministry of Trade: EİDS-Integrated Firms Notice (September 2026)
Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098
Turkish Criminal Code No. 5237
Related reading
Real Estate & Foreign Investment
I Signed an Undertaking to Vacate: Blank Dates, Delivery and Objections in Türkiye
Prepared on 30 September 2026. General information under Turkish law. Available remedies and deadlines depend on the particular records. No outcome or recovery is guaranteed. The image is illustrative.