Unused Bank Accounts Pose IBAN Fraud Risk, Expert Warns

KIRKLARELI – Professor Dr. Seçkin Yavuzdoğan, Head of the Public Law Department at Kırklareli University's Faculty of Law, issued a critical warning on March 12, 2026: unused bank accounts should be closed to mitigate the growing threat of IBAN fraud. This advice comes amidst a surge in cases involving the rental of IBANs for illicit activities.

Professor Yavuzdoğan explained that fraudsters often lure individuals with promises of short-term account usage, inadvertently turning them into both victims and potential perpetrators. He highlighted that individuals who allow others to use their IBANs could face prosecution for serious offenses, including "aggravated fraud," "failure to declare transactions made on behalf of another," and "laundering of assets derived from criminal activity."

He further elaborated that even without direct intent to defraud, account holders can be convicted if they knew or should have foreseen that their account would be used for fraudulent purposes, especially in cases involving cybercrime. This underscores the severe legal consequences for those who negligently or knowingly facilitate such schemes.

To protect themselves, citizens are urged not to share personal data or banking information with anyone. In suspicious situations, Professor Yavuzdoğan advises immediate contact with the bank to block the account and filing a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office. Closing unused accounts is presented as a crucial preventative measure, as these dormant accounts are frequently exploited in criminal operations.