Scam in BulgariaOnline bookings
Fake online businesses and tour operators in Bulgaria
How it works
A website takes a card payment while pretending to be a legitimate business. Some alleged tour operators have turned out not to exist.
Warning signs
- You cannot independently confirm that the business exists.
- An unfamiliar website asks for card payment before you can verify the service.
How to avoid it
- Check the business independently before paying.
- Look for a verifiable address and contact details.
- Keep the booking description, confirmation and payment record.
If it happens to you
Contact your card issuer promptly about the payment. Save the website details and booking messages, and report the fraud.
- 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.
- Redditr/Bookingcom2025i got scammed in bulgariaA traveller reports paying €87 for three Sofia tour-bus reservations through Booking.com, but no bus arrived at the advertised pickup point.Read on Reddit
- NewsTwo types of fraud are lurking for lovers of short trips and long weekends in the summerA consumer organisation warns that fraudulent online accommodation offers can leave tourists without lodging or refunds.Read on News
- News2019From forex bureaus to package holidays: Bulgaria’s consumer watchdog issues warningsBulgaria’s consumer watchdog warns about online holiday offers and urges customers to verify that tour operators are registered and insured.Read on News
Questions
What is the fake online businesses and tour operators scam in Bulgaria?
A website takes a card payment while pretending to be a legitimate business. Some alleged tour operators have turned out not to exist.
How can I spot it early?
You cannot independently confirm that the business exists. An unfamiliar website asks for card payment before you can verify the service.
How do I avoid fake online businesses and tour operators in Bulgaria?
Check the business independently before paying. Look for a verifiable address and contact details. Keep the booking description, confirmation and payment record.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Contact your card issuer promptly about the payment. Save the website details and booking messages, and report the fraud.
Where in Bulgaria does this happen?
Unfamiliar shopping and service websites, including Bulgaria-based websites claiming to sell tours.
How common is this scam in Bulgaria?
Occasional. 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.
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