E-commerce fraud is one of the biggest risks consumers face when shopping online. This type of fraud can take the form of fake websites, deceptive campaigns, counterfeit products, or orders that are never shipped. With the rise in online shopping in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of such fraud cases.
Fraudsters often gain consumers’ trust by counterfeiting well-known brands, organizing fake discount campaigns, or setting traps with social media ads that appear to be trustworthy. By 2025, the growth of the e-commerce sector in Turkey will also bring with it the need to protect consumers.
Common Types of E-Commerce Fraud
Fraud in online shopping can take many forms. The most common types are as follows:
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Fake Websites: Consumers’ card details are stolen by creating exact copies of genuine e-commerce websites.
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Shipping Fraud: Instead of the ordered product, a fake or low-quality product is sent.
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Social Media Fraud: Purchasing from untrustworthy sellers through Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok advertisements.
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Phishing: Consumers are sent fake emails requesting their credit card information.
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Products Never Shipped: The product ordered is never shipped.
These methods cause consumers to suffer financial losses. Therefore, it is very important to be aware, know your legal rights, and act quickly.
Legal Basis for Consumer Rights
Consumers in Turkey are protected under the Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers. This law also applies to purchases made through e-commerce. Consumers who are victims of fraud can seek their rights by following certain procedures.
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Distance Selling Regulations: Imposes obligations on sellers for all purchases made online.
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Consumer Arbitration Board: This is the first authority to which disputes below a certain amount can be referred.
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Consumer Court: Provides the opportunity to file lawsuits for larger amounts.
Atakan Ayhan Law Firm provides professional support to victims of e-commerce fraud in their legal proceedings, helping to ensure that the process is carried out quickly and effectively.
What Should Consumers Who Have Been Victims of E-Commerce Fraud Do?
In cases of fraud, it is critical to take the right steps to avoid losing your rights. Here is a step-by-step guide:
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Keep Your Payment Documents: Keep documents such as bank statements and credit card statements.
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Save Correspondence: Save emails or messages exchanged with the seller.
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Report the fake : BTK, Ministry of Trade or the bank report it.
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Apply to the Arbitration Board: If the amount is low, the consumer arbitration board is the first point of contact.
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Case Open: Large amounts directly consumer court can be taken.
Responsibility of Banks and Payment Systems
Banks also play an important role in e-commerce fraud. If a consumer enters their credit card details on a fake website and these details are used to make unauthorized purchases, the bank may also be held liable.
Banks, Banking Law and Distance Sales Regulation in accordance with security measures must be taken mandatory. If these measures are not implemented properly, the consumer may be able to claim compensation from the bank for their losses.
The Consumer Arbitration Board Process in E-Commerce Fraud
The consumer arbitration board is a quick and practical way to resolve small claims. As of 2025, the monetary limit for applying to the arbitration board has been raised to approximately 104,000 TL. This makes it possible for consumers to resolve a wider range of grievances through the arbitration board.
The following documents are required when applying to the arbitration panel:
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Copy of identity document
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Invoice or payment receipt
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Correspondence, screenshots
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Petition
The panel of arbitrators issues a decision within an average of 6 months after the decision is made. The decision is binding
Cases That Can Be Filed in Consumer Court
Disputes exceeding the jurisdiction of the arbitration board shall be referred to consumer courts. If there is no consumer court, the Civil Court of First Instance shall have jurisdiction. Here, the consumer may file the following lawsuits:
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Cost Refund Case: For the amount recovered from the defrauded party.
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Defective Goods Lawsuit: If counterfeit or defective products have been delivered.
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Compensation Claim: For material damages as well as consequential non-material damages .
As Atakan Ayhan, we provide legal representation services to our clients in litigation proceedings, supporting them in the proper presentation of evidence and the effective conduct of the proceedings.
Preventive Legal Measures Against E-Commerce Fraud
Preventive measures taken before fraud occurs can greatly reduce the number of victims. Here are some points to keep in mind:
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Do not shop on websites that do not have SSL certificates.
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Be wary of products that are priced very low.
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Stay away from sites that do not provide contact information and addresses.
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Choose reliable payment systems.
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Check your bank account transactions regularly.
New Regulations Against E-Commerce Fraud in 2025
The Ministry of Trade and BTK have introduced strict controls in the field of e-commerce in recent years. By 2025, the aim is to quickly shut down fake websites, digitize consumer complaint systems, and increase the responsibilities of banks.
In addition, e-commerce platforms are now required to increase their monitoring of sellers. This ensures that consumers can enjoy a safer shopping experience every time.
Legal Support in Combating E-Commerce Fraud
E-commerce fraud, technical knowledge and legal processes must be managed properly . Failure to properly collect or incorrectly execute the process may lead to the loss of rights .
Atakan Ayhan Law Firm offers the following services to victims of fraud:
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Preparation of consumer arbitration board applications
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Initiating and pursuing consumer court cases
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Seeking redress against banks and payment institutions
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Reporting fraud
E-commerce fraud has become one of the most common consumer problems with the increase in internet usage. However, the Turkish legal system grants consumers strong rights, primarily through Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers.
It is very important for consumers to act consciously, keep their documents, and know how to seek their rights. At Atakan Ayhan Law Firm, we provide professional support to victims of e-commerce fraud, helping them defend their financial and moral rights in the strongest way possible.
