The new complaint line secures a refund for a British visitor who bought a gem stone in good faith but later found out it was worth less than half of the price paid.

Many tourists visiting Turkey have found the lure of the jewellers shop irresistible.

With prices often much lower than in other European countries and holiday cash to spend the purchase of jewelry seems a good holiday buy.

However, as one reader was horrified to learn recently, all that sparkles isn’t always worth that much.

In July this year Susan Healey bought a sapphire at a jewellers in the Fethiye area.

“I am very impressed with service from Alo.179......the whole process was so straightforward for me even though I am currently 2,000 miles away”

After some negotiation a price was agreed and the deal was done.

She was assured the gem was great value.

But when Susan returned to the UK and had the gem valued she was shocked to find it was worth less than half of the price paid.

“I spoke with friends who live in the Fethiye area and asked what I could do about this situation. They said try contacting the Alo 179 complaint service run by the Mugla Governors office”

Within a day or two of sending the email Susan received a telephone call in the UK from the jeweler who sold the sapphire to her.

It was agreed that the gem would be returned and a full refund given which it has.

Susan said,

“I am very impressed with service from Alo.179. They have been efficient and effective at following up my complaint. I am now very satisfied with the outcome especially as the whole process was so straightforward for me even though I am currently 2,000 miles away”

“My only feedback would be that the service needs more publicity as I didn’t know it existed until my friend told me.”

“Posters and leaflets in the major resorts would be a good start.” She added.

If you have received poor service, been ripped off, bamboozled or hoodwinked whilst on holiday in the county of Mugla, Turkey then the Alo 179 service may be able to help you.

They can be contacted within Mugla by ringing 179 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it