What scams and safety risks should tourists watch out for in Istanbul?

Tourists who openly flash thick wallets or large amounts of cash can attract pickpockets who follow them — avoid drawing attention to money in crowded areas.

At some shops in Istanbul, vendors may ask for a passport and refuse to sell if the buyer is a Russian citizen; this practice isn't universal worldwide (not seen in the UAE or Asia), so it's worth carrying your passport, including for duty-free purchases at the airport.

Among Russian-speaking communities in Istanbul, furniture-for-sale ads offering delivery for a small prepayment are a common scam — the money is taken and the seller disappears; the same scheme shows up with package or parcel delivery arrangements through acquaintances.