Dear Student, Don’t Put Your Future at Risk!

Recently, there has been a significant increase in incidents where university students’ bank accounts and digital wallets are used by third parties for fraud, illegal betting, money laundering of criminal proceeds, and drug trafficking activities.

Allowing your bank accounts or digital wallets registered in your name to be used by others—whether knowingly or willingly—for reasons such as “earning commission,” “helping to repay a debt,” “just a one-time use,” “harmless money transfer,” or similar excuses may result in criminal and legal liability under the Turkish Penal Code and relevant legislation. Regardless of who actually conducts the transaction, you, as the account holder, may be held legally responsible for any activity carried out through your accounts.

If you permit others to use your accounts, you may face criminal investigation and prosecution, a criminal record, being classified as a high-risk customer by banks, restrictions on your bank accounts, rejection of loan and credit card applications, judicial control measures (including a travel ban), and civil compensation lawsuits filed by victims. In such cases, explanations such as “I didn’t know,” “I just wanted to help,” or “I was only an intermediary” may not provide legal protection.

It is crucial that you reject any offer—whether from acquaintances or strangers—that promises financial gain in exchange for sharing your account or IBAN information, and that you immediately report any suspicious situations to the relevant security authorities.