Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) has published a new guide for those who let their friends, relatives or other people use their bank accounts. The guide clarified in which cases money transfers made on the instructions of others could be considered suspicious transactions. Measures such as restricting mobile banking access for risky accounts, lowering transfer limits and terminating the bank-customer relationship may be on the agenda.
THE TRANSFER YOU MADE AT YOUR FRIEND'S REQUEST CAN BE REVIEWED
The "Suspicious Transaction Reporting Guide for Combating Leased Accounts", published by MASAK, affiliated with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, on October 12, 2026, addresses the risks associated with the use of bank accounts by others.
The guide points out that the use of a leased account is not limited to giving the bank account to someone else in exchange for money. Transactions made due to friendship, relative or business relationship may also pose a risk if control of the account is actually transferred to another person.
For example, people who send the money coming into their account to different accounts under the direction of another person and do not know the source of the money or the purpose of the transfer may be subject to investigation. MASAK states that such accounts can be used in activities such as fraud, illegal betting and laundering of crime proceeds.
NOT ONLY IBAN, BUT ALSO CONTROL OF THE ACCOUNT IS IMPORTANT
The only factor that determines who uses a bank account is not whose name the account is registered to. The guide states that giving mobile banking passwords, debit cards, card pins, phone lines and single-use verification codes to others may also lead to the transfer of control over the account.
Even if the account holder performs all transactions from his/her own phone, constantly acting in accordance with someone else's instructions may be subject to investigation. Therefore, in addition to whose name the account is registered to, who actually manages the transactions and for what purpose the account is used is also evaluated.
However, just sharing the IBAN number or receiving money from someone else does not mean that a rental account is used or a crime is committed. The purpose of the transaction, the relationship between the people sending and receiving money, and the actual control of the account are considered together.
BANKS MAY FIND THESE MONEY MOVEMENTS SUSPICIOUS
MASAK's guide also lists the types of transactions that financial institutions should pay attention to. Heavy money transfers that cannot be explained by the account holder's income, profession or economic activities are among the risk indicators.
The transfer of money from many people who are not connected to each other to different accounts in a short time can also be examined. Using the account solely for the purpose of collecting money or distributing it to other accounts may also raise suspicion.
Managing many seemingly independent bank accounts via the same phone, device or internet connection is also among the signs that financial institutions can evaluate.
In such cases, banks can investigate the source and purpose of money movements and ask for an explanation from the account holder when deemed necessary.
MOBILE BANKING ACCESS MAY BE CLOSED
The guide also includes banking measures that can be implemented against suspicious accounts. If there are strong indications that an account has been used by others, mobile and internet banking access may be limited or completely closed.
Depending on the nature of the risk, the use of bank cards may be stopped, money transfer limits may be reduced and new financial products may not be offered to the customer. Other accounts linked to the suspicious account will also be monitored more frequently.
In banks with branches, customers with limited digital access will be able to benefit from basic banking services through the branch and in a controlled manner. In financial institutions that provide services only through digital channels, measures must be implemented gradually and the severity of the risk must be evaluated together with the customer's access to their assets.
CAN A BANK ACCOUNT BE COMPLETELY CLOSED?
The guide also points out that suspicious transaction reporting alone is not sufficient. Financial institutions are expected to take steps to prevent accounts from continuing to be used for illegal activities.
If the risk in the account cannot be controlled, the customer's explanations are found to be insufficient, or it is understood that the account is actually managed by other people, some transactions may not be carried out. In these cases, completely terminating the relationship between the bank and the customer may also be considered.
However, not every suspicious money transfer results in automatic account closure. The measures to be implemented are decided according to the characteristics of the transaction and the determined risk level.
NOT EVERY SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTION MEANS A CRIME
The risk indicators listed in the guide do not alone indicate that the person has committed a crime or has criminal liability. In the legal evaluation of possible crimes, the person's knowledge of the transaction, his will and all the circumstances of the incident are taken into account.
With the guide published by MASAK, it is aimed for banks, payment and electronic money institutions and other relevant financial institutions to take measures to prevent the use of suspicious accounts in criminal activities.
Thus, investigations focus not only on who transferred money to whom, but also on who actually controls the account and for what purpose the transactions were made.
