What should citizens who have been deceived about electronic signatures and power of attorney know?

What should citizens who have been deceived about electronic signatures and power of attorney know?



According to the research of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy, the number of cases of citizens being deceived by electronic signatures and power of attorney has increased in recent years. Analyses show that in many cases, legal entities are established in the names of citizens without their consent or knowledge. This ultimately leads to the implementation of illegal entrepreneurial activities and the emergence of tax debts.

An electronic signature is a means of confirming the identity of citizens when operating in the digital environment and is of legal importance. Digital signatures such as Asan İmza (mobile signature) and enhanced electronic signature are widely used in our country. These signatures are important for accessing government services, approving various documents, and conducting business transactions. However, unfortunately, cases of fraud by abusing these signatures of citizens have increased.

Research conducted by the State Tax Service shows that in some cases, citizens are deceived and their electronic signatures are used. Also, illegal transactions are carried out by obtaining power of attorney in the names of fraudsters. As a result of such transactions, legal entities are created and tax debts arise without the citizen's knowledge. Since the citizen is the legal owner of the electronic signature, he is also responsible for paying debts and is responsible for the results of transactions carried out using that signature.

A power of attorney is a document issued to grant certain rights to one person on behalf of another. However, since these rights sometimes lead to abuse, the State Tax Service issues serious warnings, especially regarding the transfer of powers related to entrepreneurial activity to third parties. Thus, the institution calls on citizens to be more careful with their electronic signatures. An electronic signature should belong only to its owner, and it is the citizen who is responsible for its protection. That is why other persons should not be allowed to use those signatures.

It is important for every citizen to understand the power of an electronic signature and the legal responsibility he bears for it. This also helps to prevent legal problems that may arise in the future. If citizens are faced with illegal transactions or fraud using an electronic signature, they should immediately contact law enforcement agencies and relevant government agencies to suspend the validity of that signature.