top of page
TRAVEL SCAM
Istanbul, Turkey
Carpet Shop Scam
Tourists are invited into carpet shops where they are pressured into buying overpriced rugs.
Medium Risk
COMMON LOCATIONS
Tourist areas, bazaars, Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet
HOW IT HAPPENS
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
1. A friendly local starts a conversation and builds trust
2. Invites the tourist to a carpet shop for tea
3. Shows multiple carpets with strong sales tactics
4. Pressures the tourist to buy at very high prices
WATCH FOR THIS
WARNING SIGNS
• Friendly strangers offering tea or invitations
• Being guided to specific shops
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Prices seem unclear or exaggerated
STAY SMART
HOW TO AVOID IT
• Avoid entering shops with strangers
• Do not feel obligated to buy anything
• Compare prices at multiple stores
• Leave politely if pressured
bottom of page