National raffle authority calls for caution with social media raffles

The top Turkish authority on raffles called for caution with social media raffles, pointing out that the public should steer clear of them unless they have a date and serial number for a permit. People have complained about the presents they won not arriving and being asked money in exchange for a gift, authorities noted.

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Turkey's Directorate General of the National Lottery (MPİ) has called on the public to be cautious with social media raffles.

"To avoid problems, the public shouldn't engage in raffles that lack a date or a serial number attesting that our institution has approved it" said MPİ Director Yunus Uçar.

While many companies, celebrities and social media figures organize raffles online, they should still be regulated by MPİ, Uçar said, stressing that some celebrities had applied to MPİ for a raffle permit. "We are working to to keep our legislation up-to-date and to adapt it to technological developments,", he added.

Uçar also noted that people have complained about failing to receive presents they have won or being asked money in exchange for gifts.