Attention vehicle owners! They call immediately after an accident: Proxy game with promise of compensation

Milliyet.com.tr/ÖZEL Scammers who have somehow reached traffic accident victims have begun victimizing them by posing as " lawyers " or "damage consultants." These opportunists, who lure people with promises of high compensation after accidents, are engaging in fraud by taking on power of attorney .

Proxy Game with the Promise of High Compensation!

After the accident, people who introduced themselves as "damage consultancy companies" or "law firm employees" began to contact the victims and obtain power of attorney from them with the promise of high compensation.

People who have somehow gained access to the victims' contact information, intermediary firms, or people who introduce themselves as law firm employees, are requesting power of attorney from insurance companies to receive loss of value compensation, and the frequent calls they receive regarding this issue have led to complaints from accident victims.

HOW DO THEY FIND PEOPLE WHO HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT?

So how do scammers find these people involved in accidents? What happens when they are given power of attorney? Where should people involved in a traffic accident seek compensation for the loss of value of their vehicle? Where should people file a complaint in case of potential victimization?

Umut Metin, a spokesperson for the Turkish Mediators and Mediation Centers, spoke to milliyet.com.tr regarding the matter, saying: “Who knows the identity of the person involved in the accident? Of course, those who are aware of the accident. These are generally the first people to see the stricken vehicle. When a citizen has an accident and their vehicle is towed to a repair shop for repairs, or when a vehicle is taken to a shop, the body shop or mechanic at the shop may offer guidance such as, ‘There's a lawyer I work for who will cover the loss of value.’ This raises the possibility that the first people to see the accident report or the vehicle are passing on information.”

'DO NOT GIVE POWER OF ATTORNEY TO SOMEONE YOU DON'T KNOW'

This behavior is unlawful. A professional is expected to do their own job. It's inappropriate to provide information or referrals for compensation for loss of value. Referring someone who is under stress, financially or emotionally burdened, due to the impact of a traffic accident to individuals they don't know deserves both legal and moral criticism. Those who engage in this behavior may likely be motivated by an additional benefit. Citizens should be particularly careful not to grant power of attorney to someone they don't know without first understanding the purpose for which they are granting it.

Victims of this situation often encounter statements such as "authority for accident repair" when granting a power of attorney. Therefore, it is inappropriate to issue a power of attorney at a notary without providing detailed information to the victim, as if it were a routine procedure.

'SOME LOSSES OF RIGHTS MAY ARISE'

A power of attorney is an official document that allows someone else to perform a function that a person can perform themselves. Therefore, caution is necessary when granting a power of attorney through a notary, regardless of the matter in question. If the person granting the power of attorney is a lawyer, they are already obligated to be held accountable under the Law on Attorneys. However, if the person granted the power of attorney is not a lawyer, the risk is high. This is due to the potential for arbitrary actions and potential harm by someone lacking the seriousness and rules of legal practice. Consequently, the actual amount of the proceeds from the insurance company may not be disclosed to the consumer, and this may lead to the loss of certain rights.

The correct approach is for citizens to consult a lawyer they know and trust, rather than one referred by someone else. In this context, lawyers are reliable in granting power of attorney.

HOW TO CANCEL A POWER OF ATTORNEY?

If the citizen later realizes that he/she has given a power of attorney by a fait accompli, without realizing it, he/she can terminate this power of attorney by issuing a letter of dismissal from the notary.

HOW CAN DRIVERS RECOVER LOSS OF VALUE?

The first step is to contact your insurance company and request compensation for the loss of value. If the insurance company pays the required amount upon request, the matter will be resolved swiftly. If payment is not made, you can apply to the Insurance Arbitration Commission to obtain compensation for the loss of value of the vehicle. These processes do not take years and are much faster than the courtroom litigation process.

WHERE SHOULD THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS THROUGH POWER OF ATTORNEY APPLY?

In the event of any potential grievance, a complaint should be made to the prosecutor's office. Similarly, as we mentioned above, if a lawyer is referred from an industry or other source, citizens should report these individuals to both the relevant bar association and the prosecutor's office.

On the other hand, those who unlawfully access contact information, vehicle information involved in the accident, or the identity of the driver or passengers in the vehicle may be reported to prosecutors and the Personal Data Protection Authority due to a violation of personal data.

PAY ATTENTION TO THESE DETAILS WHEN GRANTING A POWER OF ATTORNEY!

Granting a power of attorney is a very serious matter. Our citizens are not aware of the potential consequences of granting a power of attorney. When you grant a power of attorney, unlimited transactions can be carried out on the grantor's behalf without their knowledge. It's crucial that powers of attorney issued through notary publics be limited to the specific transaction to be performed. Excessive authority should not be granted. For example, if a property is to be purchased, the notary public will list the property as such. Powers of attorney must be issued for a specific period of time. Granting an indefinite period of time can create drawbacks.

The person granting a power of attorney must obtain a copy of that power of attorney. Now, you can view a list of issued powers of attorney through e-Government . You'll even receive SMS messages stating, "A power of attorney is being issued in your name."