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TRAVEL SCAM
Istanbul, Turkey
Tea & Shopping Trap Scam
Scammers invite tourists for tea and then pressure them into buying overpriced goods.
Medium Risk
COMMON LOCATIONS
Tourist areas, bazaars, Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar
HOW IT HAPPENS
HOW THE SCAM WORKS
1. Friendly local approaches and starts conversation
2. Invites tourist for tea as a gesture of hospitality
3. Takes tourist to a shop (carpet, souvenir, etc.)
4. Applies pressure to buy expensive items
WATCH FOR THIS
WARNING SIGNS
• Friendly strangers offering tea or help
• Being guided to specific shops
• Feeling obligated after hospitality
• High-pressure selling environment
STAY SMART
HOW TO AVOID IT
• Politely decline invitations from strangers
• Avoid entering shops without intent to buy
• Do not feel obligated to purchase
• Leave immediately if pressured
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