Scam in TürkiyeShopping
Fake antiquities in tourist shops in Türkiye
How it works
Tourist shops sell fake antiquities. A claim that an object is genuinely ancient creates another problem: genuine antiquities cannot legally be exported.
Warning signs
- A tourist shop offers an object as an antiquity.
- A seller's claims about age or authenticity are hard to check.
How to avoid it
- Avoid buying objects presented as antiquities.
- Choose clearly modern souvenirs.
- Do not treat a seller's claim as proof of authenticity or permission to export.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt. If the item was sold as genuine, seek official advice before attempting to take it out of the country.
- Get somewhere safe. Avoid chasing thieves or escalating a dispute. Call 112 if you are threatened, injured or need urgent help.
- Check what is missing or wrongly charged. Block stolen cards and secure accounts on a missing phone immediately.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking records, messages and payment alerts. Note the time, place and vehicle plate if relevant.
- If safe, ask the business to correct the bill or refund the disputed amount. Explain the agreed price and currency clearly.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for your bank or insurer.
- Contact your card issuer, insurer or booking service as needed. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/AncientCoins2026AI said they're fakeA cruise visitor reported seeing Turkish tourist shops selling jewelry containing obviously fake ancient coins.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/AncientCoins2024Alexander and Phillip Coin bought outside Ephesus, is this real?A purchaser asked about coins bought outside Ephesus, and collectors identified the tourist-market pieces as fakes.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the fake antiquities in tourist shops scam in Türkiye?
Tourist shops sell fake antiquities. A claim that an object is genuinely ancient creates another problem: genuine antiquities cannot legally be exported.
How can I spot it early?
A tourist shop offers an object as an antiquity. A seller's claims about age or authenticity are hard to check.
How do I avoid fake antiquities in tourist shops in Türkiye?
Avoid buying objects presented as antiquities. Choose clearly modern souvenirs. Do not treat a seller's claim as proof of authenticity or permission to export.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt. If the item was sold as genuine, seek official advice before attempting to take it out of the country.
Where in Türkiye does this happen?
Tourist shops on the citadel approaches along Kale Kapısı Sk. It has been reported in Ankara.
How common is this scam in Türkiye?
Occasional. Tourist overcharging is very common in Turkey, especially when prices are not shown. Other risks include taxi tricks, wrong change, costly cash withdrawals, pushy shop invitations and fake nightlife offers. Watch your belongings in crowds and on public transport, especially in Istanbul.
Are there similar scams in Türkiye?
Yes: tourist prices and hidden charges, friendly conversation leading to a carpet shop, ordinary souvenirs sold at a large markup.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police or medical help. The call is free and can be made from a phone without a SIM card. Police: approach an officer or visit the nearest police station. Bring receipts, payment records and any taxi plate or hub details. If the unified emergency number does not work, the listed police fallback is 155. Gendarme: for urgent help in rural areas, call 112. The listed fallback number is 156 if the unified number does not work. Ankara tourist police section: a multilingual tourist police section is listed at AŞTİ bus station, but staffing is uncertain because staff were redeployed. If unavailable, approach another officer or police station. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or verified contact number to block stolen cards and dispute unauthorised or wrongly entered payments. Taxi hub: use the hub name and phone number written on the side of the taxi. Provide the plate, journey details and disputed fare. Embassy or consulate: use your country's official government contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer or booking service: use its official claims or support channel. Provide your police reference, receipts, booking terms and payment evidence.
What number do I call in an emergency in Türkiye?
All emergency services, including police and gendarme: 112, Police fallback if the unified number does not work: 155, Gendarme fallback if the unified number does not work: 156.
Reviewed by @snuck