Ministry of Trade Warns of 'Fake Authorized Service Centers'

Turkey's Ministry of Trade is intensifying its crackdown on fraudulent "authorized service centers" that deceive consumers, particularly as demand for appliance repairs rises with the approach of summer.

The ministry stated that these fake services often appear high in internet search results, using manufacturer logos without permission to pose as legitimate repair providers. This practice misleads consumers, leading to a range of issues including inflated repair costs, the use of non-original spare parts, and damage to products. In some cases, consumers have received their items back unrepaired or have had their warranties voided due to unauthorized interventions.

Furthermore, the ministry highlighted that these fraudulent operations can escalate to outright scams, with fake technicians requesting personal data. The problem has become more pronounced recently, with a noticeable increase in fake service activities targeting appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers.

To combat this growing problem, the ministry established the SERBİS system (www.servis.gov.tr). This platform serves as a single, reliable source for consumers to access information about authorized service providers. Manufacturers and importers are now obligated to ensure their authorized service details are accurately and completely entered into the system and kept up-to-date.

The Ministry strongly advises consumers to verify the credentials of any service provider before agreeing to repairs. This includes checking the manufacturer or importer's official website and confirming the service information through SERBİS. The ministry reiterates its commitment to combating these deceptive practices under the slogan "Safe trade with SERBİS, strong protection."