Scam in BulgariaChanging money
Counterfeit money from street exchangers in Bulgaria
How it works
Someone offers to exchange your money, sometimes at an attractive rate, and gives you fake banknotes.
Warning signs
- A stranger approaches you on the street to change money.
- The offer promises an unusually good exchange rate.
How to avoid it
- Do not exchange money with people on the street.
- Use a bank to exchange currency.
- Check the notes you receive before leaving.
If it happens to you
Keep the notes and transaction details for a police report. Do not try to spend suspected counterfeit money.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who is threatening you.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards and contact your card issuer. Report any unauthorised transactions.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages, booking records and the time and location. For taxi disputes, record the taxi's details.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Call 112 if you face immediate danger or need emergency help.
- Contact your insurer, booking provider or rental company where relevant. Ask what records they need.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement travel-document advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the counterfeit money from street exchangers scam in Bulgaria?
Someone offers to exchange your money, sometimes at an attractive rate, and gives you fake banknotes.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger approaches you on the street to change money. The offer promises an unusually good exchange rate.
How do I avoid counterfeit money from street exchangers in Bulgaria?
Do not exchange money with people on the street. Use a bank to exchange currency. Check the notes you receive before leaving.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the notes and transaction details for a police report. Do not try to spend suspected counterfeit money.
Where in Bulgaria does this happen?
Tourist areas, including stations. Street money-changing approaches are also reported in Sofia and Burgas.
How common is this scam in Bulgaria?
Common. Bulgaria is generally safe, but taxi scams, pickpocketing, money-changing tricks and ATM skimming are concerns for visitors. Take extra care at transport hubs, around waiting taxis and in summer crowds.
Are there similar scams in Bulgaria?
Yes: poor exchange rates and unclear fees.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or threats and provide the evidence you have. For a taxi fare complaint, keep the receipt because it provides proof of the transaction. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency. If it does not connect, use the relevant backup number listed below. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised payments or withdrawals. Booking provider or payment service: report a fraudulent booking through its official support channel. Include the listing, messages and payment record. Travel insurer or vehicle rental company: contact its official claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, police-report details and other evidence. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.
What number do I call in an emergency in Bulgaria?
All emergency services: 112, Police backup if 112 does not connect: 166, Ambulance backup if 112 does not connect: 150, Fire department backup if 112 does not connect: 160.
Reviewed by @snuck