Most Common Scams Targeting Tourists in Turkey and How to Avoid Them

Last updated on September 6th, 2025 at 09:27 am

Turkey is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history and vibrant culture, drawing countless visitors each year. However, amidst its stunning architecture and tantalizing cuisine, unwary travelers might fall prey to clever street scams, a negative aspect often overshadowed by the country’s allure. Understanding these scams is crucial for anyone planning to roam Turkey’s bustling streets, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey.

From shoeshiners with dropped brushes to unauthorized taxi drivers with bogus meters, these tourist scams are diverse yet possess a common element of deceit. Tourists are often targeted, relying on their unfamiliarity and eagerness to explore. Familiarizing yourself with these clever ruses and knowing how to spot them can significantly protect your adventure from unnecessary mishaps.

In this article, I delve into the most prevalent street scams in Turkey, unveiling tactics ranging from the sly offerings of friendly guides to the crafty maneuvers of Turkish bagel sellers. By recognizing these schemes, travelers can fortify themselves against potential pitfalls and keep their focus on experiencing the beauty of Turkey without interruption.

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The Shoeshine Scam

Scams in Turkey can catch even the savviest traveler off guard, and one well-known ploy involves a shoeshiner’s “accidentally” dropped brush. While researching for this article, I discovered that many travelers have reported different variations of this scam — all playing on the same mix of politeness, confusion, and pressure. This scam is most common in Istanbul, but also in other popular touristic areas like Cappadocia or Antalya. I didn’t see it in other areas of Turkey I visited, such as Çanakkale/Troy.

How the classic scam works

A shoeshiner walks past you and “accidentally” drops his brush
You instinctively pick it up and return it.
Grateful for your kindness, he offers a free shoe shine.
Once finished, however, the tone changes, and you’re suddenly faced with insistent demands for payment, often inflated, turning a kind act into an unexpected expense.

I actually fell for a version of this scam myself—though in my case, there was no dropped brush involved. It happened late at night in the Galata Tower area in Istanbul. A shoeshiner sitting on the side of the road told me he needed just one more customer before heading home to his family. He said I could pay him whatever I thought was fair, and I agreed to a quick shoe shine.

When he finished, I gave him around 10 Turkish lira—what I believed was a reasonable amount, including a tip. But then things shifted. He became insistent that it wasn’t enough. I started to feel intimidated (and trust me, it’s easy to feel that way in the moment). I second-guessed myself, thinking maybe I had misjudged the going rate, so I added a bit more. Still, he kept pushing. That’s when it finally clicked—I was being scammed. I left the money I felt was fair and walked away.

Important Context: Shoe shining is a long-standing and respected tradition in Turkey. Many shoeshiners are genuinely skilled craftsmen, and their work is part of the country’s cultural heritage. Not all street shoeshiners are scammers; in fact, most operate honestly. However, the majority of scam incidents tend to happen in busy, tourist-heavy areas of Istanbul, where unsuspecting visitors are easy targets.

Tips to avoid this scam

If a shoeshiner “drops” a brush near you, just keep walking and don’t engage.
If you’re approached with emotional appeals—like needing one last customer for the day—be cautious and decide ahead of time whether you’re comfortable engaging.
If you do want your shoes shined, always ask for the price beforehand.
After the service, you can leave a small tip if you’re happy with the result—but don’t feel pressured to give more than what was agreed upon.
If the shoeshiner demands extra money, stay calm. Place the agreed-upon amount in front of him and walk away.

The Falling Simit Seller

When visiting the bustling streets of Turkey, one scam to be wary of is “The Falling Simit Seller Trick.” It often unfolds in busy tourist areas of Istanbul, like the Grand Bazaar or near iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and in other parts of Turkey as well.

How the classic scam works

A simit seller, holding a tray stacked with these Turkish bagels, will strategically walk by tourists.
Suddenly, the seller will trip, deliberately dropping the simits all over the ground.
As a kind-hearted passerby, you might jump in to help. Seizing the opportunity, others may crowd around, and in the chaos, accomplices pickpocket distracted helpers.
The seller might then demand compensation, claiming lost income, nudging tourists to pay for damages OR he quickly plays the card of an ill man working to fund a surgery and will play with people’s compassion to get money.

Tips to avoid this scam

Be cautious in crowded areas.
Politely decline getting involved with incidents that seem staged.
Keep personal belongings secure, avoiding showing cash or other valuables in public.

Common Taxi Scams

I know these scams all too well. Most of them were very common in my own country (Romania) until about 10 years ago and in many other countries. When exploring the vibrant streets of Turkey, taxi rides can offer a convenient way to navigate the bustling cities, from the historic Old Town to the scenic routes of the Bosphorus. However, tourists should be wary of inflated taxi fares, a common scam targeting unsuspecting tourists at the airport or in popular areas like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar.

How the classic scams work

Some taxi drivers use tampered meters to increase fares.
Some take longer, unnecessary detour routes to increase the mileage.
Some overcharge by quoting incorrect rates, especially during currency exchange fluctuations.
When paying a ride by card, the driver will tell you there was a payment processing error and will try to charge you again
When paying a ride with cash, the driver will take the money, exchange one banknote with a smaller denominator and claim you didn’t pay the full amount.

Tips to avoid these scams

Use reputable taxi companies. Opt for known brands or use mobile apps, although some Uber drivers are also known to take advantage of tourists. In Turkey, you can use BiTaksi or iTaksi instead.
Pre-negotiate rates and agree on a fare before starting the journey.
Verify the meter. Ensure it starts at the base fare as soon as the ride begins.
Double check the itinerary. Use Google Maps (or another similar app) to check the routes to your destination and show it to your driver at the beginning of the ride. If you notice that your driver deviates a lot from the usual route, speak up and ask for his reasons. He might say that the he knows the streets with less traffic, or that a bridge is closed ahead but don’t cave in, check the info and demand he stays on track. If he doesn’t, it’s best to ask him to stop the car, pay him what you owe him and find another mean of transport to your destination.
When paying by card, check the payment status in your banking app.
When paying with cash, before the driver takes the money, make sure he confirms it’s the right sum. If the ride is 250 Turkish Lira, you can say out loud: “Here is 250 Turkish Lira. Look at the money, is this correct?”, while you unfold the banknotes like a fan so they are easily visible.

In Istanbul you can check if a road or bridge is really closed by checking the IBB (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) official website. Only roads marked with black color are closed.

The Fake Police Scheme

One of the prevalent scams foreign visitors might encounter in Turkey is the “Fake Police Scheme” or “The Policeman scam”.

How the classic scam works

In this scam, individuals posing as police officers target tourists, often in bustling areas. These impostors may approach you demanding to see your passport, claiming they’re conducting a routine check on tourists. They could then steal your personal data or demand money because they make up some fake visa issues.

Tips to avoid this scam

Know your rights. Legitimate police officers must show proper identification. Request to see their police badge before complying.
In unclear situations, ask to be taken to the nearest police station for verification.
Protect your valuables. Never hand over your passport, wallet, or credit card on the street.
Scammers often work in busy tourist traps where distractions are plentiful, hoping you’ll be less observant, so stay aware.

The Fake Carpets and Rugs Scam

When visiting Turkey, tourists often encounter the alluring world of Turkish carpets. However, some shops employ some shady tactics to try and make a profit. I personally encountered this scam in Istanbul, but luckily I was not one bit interested in buying a carpet, so the guys from the shop could not convince me to spend my money.

How the classic scam works

A guy will approach you on the street, inviting you to see check out their carpet store.
Inside, you will be presented with a beautiful story, about how the place used to be a school or something and now it is the place where old artisans get to make Turkish rugs and carpets, using traditional methods and top-quality materials. The seller presents you some options and asks which one you like and then try to press you to buy.
If you seem reluctant, they will even offer big discounts, which from the start should be an indicator that the carpets they sell are not the quality they say they are. Also, if you don’t show interest, they can become aggressive.

Tips to avoid this scam

Be wary of overly helpful strangers who offer to take you on a scenic route through Old Town or to a seemingly exclusive Turkish rug shop.
Scammers may present carpets at inflated prices, claiming them to be authentic “antiques” or limited editions. Pressure selling tactics are frequently used to push tourists into buying.
Fakes are often machine-made yet marketed as hand-woven. Inspect the carpets carefully; genuine handmade rugs will show minor irregularities and knots.
Some sellers produce fake certificates of authenticity. A legitimate seller will be transparent and knowledgeable about their products.
If a price drops significantly during negotiations, it might be a red flag.

Protect yourself by purchasing carpets (if you’re interested in one, of course) from reputable dealers and conducting prior research. Such vigilance ensures your Turkish rug story is one of delight, not deceit.

Friendly Locals and Their Hidden Agendas

When exploring Turkey’s historic sites like the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, beware of seemingly friendly locals offering to guide you. Often, these “guides” boast expert knowledge and promise a scenic route through iconic places such as the Grand Bazaar or Topkapi Palace. However, their kindness may hide ulterior motives.

How the classic scam works

These guides may take you on detours to shops owned by accomplices, particularly those selling Turkish rugs or carpets. They earn hefty commissions if you buy something. In tourist-packed zones like Old Town or near the Basilica Cistern, unsolicited guiding can also lead you into tourist traps with inflated prices.

Tips to avoid this scam

Politely decline unsolicited offers.
Hire official guides from legitimate services.
Navigate using reliable maps or mobile apps.
Consult social media, Google, Tripadvisor reviews for verified experiences.

Unexpected Restaurant Charges

When dining in Turkey, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, unexpected restaurant charges can catch you off guard. These charges often appear as additional items on your bill that you may not have explicitly ordered or understood.

How the classic scam works

Some restaurants may present items like bread, water, or small appetizers assuming they are complimentary, but they could end up on your bill.
While tipping is customary, some establishments may include a service charge in the bill without prior notice.
In touristy areas, foreigners might be charged higher rates than locals. It’s useful to confirm prices beforehand.
Although this one is not so common, in some places you are given menus with lower prices until you place your order. After that, all menus are removed from the table and the final prices on the bill are inflated.

Tips to avoid this scam

If the waiter brings complimentary items to your table, confirm if they are chargeable.
When you get the bill, always ask if the service is included to avoid double tipping.
Always order from places that have a menu with prices clearly stated and keep them in mind until you get the bill so you can double check if everything is correct.
Be cautious of menu items priced per 100g or similar measurements. It can significantly alter the expected bill.
Request you keep a menu on your table at all times to be able to check the bill at the end. If the waiter insists he need to take the menu, take some quick photos of the items you ordered from the menu, for future reference.

The Currency Switching Scam

When visiting Turkey, you might encounter a common scam, also known as “The Currency Switcharoo”. It can be encountered in many parts of Turkey, but the hotspots are probably Istanbul and Cappadocia.

How the classic scam works

This crafty trick involves presenting prices for items in shops in Turkish Lira, but when paying by card, the shopkeeper swiftly changing the currency to EUR or USD. So for example, instead of paying 500 Turkish Lira for one or more products, the buyer actually pays 500 EUR or 500 USD!

Tips to avoid the scam

When paying by card, after checking the transaction amount, also check the screen of the POS terminal to make sure the currency is set to “TL”, “TRY” or “₺”.

The Cheap Tour Scam

The Cheap Tour scam is a notorious tourist trap all over Turkey, as well as in many other countries, cleverly disguised as a budget-friendly way to explore beautiful destinations. It is somewhat similar to the “Friendly locals scam”, but the difference is that in this case, the scammers approach tourists with direct offers of incredibly cheap tours to iconic spots. So instead of presenting themselves as simple locals that want to show you around without asking for anything in return, they try to convince you they are legit tourist guides.

How the classic scam works

Attractive Deals: Scam agents lure tourists with promises of a “scenic route” showing all the must-see attractions at a fraction of the usual price.
Hidden Costs: Once the tour begins, tourists discover hidden fees for transport, entrance to places like the Basilica Cistern or Topkapi Palace, or mandatory “gifts” like Turkish rugs.
Subpar Experience: The tour often includes stops at overpriced shops or fake alcohol, watered-down drinks (or even worst, counterfeit alcohol) tastings, adding costs and reducing enjoyment.
Pressure Tactics: Guides employ persuasive, sometimes aggressive, selling tactics, making tourists feel obligated to buy or tip.

Tips to avoid the scam

Always opt for reputable tour companies or book tours recommended by trusted sources on social media or by travel bloggers/vloggers. Stay informed about the usual prices and reviews to ensure your Turkish adventure remains memorable for the right reasons.

ATM Skimming: Protect Your Card

ATM skimming is a prevalent threat that could compromise your credit card information without you even knowing.

How the classic scam works

This scam often involves the installation of hidden devices on ATMs, capturing data from your card’s magnetic strip and recording your PIN through miniature cameras.

Tips to avoid the scam

Inspect the ATM: Look for anything that seems unusual about the card slot or keypad. If anything appears out of place, use another machine.
Shield Your PIN: Always cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN.
Use Secure ATMs: Opt for machines in well-lit, busy areas or inside bank branches.
Monitor Your Statements: Regularly check your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
Set Alerts: Enable instant alerts for all withdrawals or purchases made with your card.

The Currency Changing Rip-Off

Not all scams in Turkey involve street interactions. One of the more frustrating experiences for travelers is getting shortchanged at exchange offices. While not technically a scam—since these businesses are licensed—their rates can be so unfair that many visitors understandably consider it a rip-off (myself included).

This is especially true at airports, where exchange rates are notoriously poor, but you’ll also find questionable rates at certain offices in big cities like Istanbul, particularly around major tourist hotspots such as Sultanahmet or Taksim.

How the classic rip-off works

Exchange offices rely on the fact that many tourists arrive in Turkey without any local currency. Upon landing, travelers often need to quickly exchange money to pay for a taxi, bus, or airport shuttle, and the offices inside the terminals take advantage of this urgency by offering significantly worse rates than the market average. The same applies to exchange bureaus near tourist attractions. Visitors might suddenly need cash to pay an entrance fee at a museum, buy tickets at a historical site, or leave a tip at a restaurant. Knowing that tourists sometimes have no choice but to exchange money on the spot, these offices offer poor rates that travelers reluctantly accept out of convenience.

Tips to avoid the rip-off

Avoid exchanging large sums of money at the airport.
Compare rates between multiple exchange offices before committing.
Withdraw directly from ATMs connected to well-known banks when possible.
Seek out exchange offices recommended by locals or on trusted travel forums.

Conclusion: Stay Alert and Informed

When visiting Turkey, it’s important to stay alert and informed to avoid falling victim to common scams. These can range from pesky tourist traps to more serious fraud schemes.

For instance, be cautious around taxi drivers who might take the scenic route to increase the fare or hand you counterfeit Turkish Lira. Beware of the taxi drivers at popular tourist sites like the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia.

Stay vigilant for popular scams such as the shoe shiner accidentally dropping a brush and the ATM help scam where individuals offer unsolicited assistance.

Also, keep an eye out for romance scams often initiated through social media, or while visiting famous places such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

Remember, fake alcohol is an issue, especially in Aegean resorts, so verify the seal on bottles. When shopping for Turkish rugs or carpets in Old Town or near Galata Bridge, ensure you verify authenticity and price.

Finally, ensure your currency exchanges are conducted at trusted locations, and be aware of anyone posing as an unofficial security or police officer demanding to see your passport. Stay informed, and enjoy your journey through Turkey’s rich history and vibrant culture safely.