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Occasional in Bulgaria

Scam in BulgariaOn the street

Persistent requests for money in Bulgaria

Street approaches to foreigners in Burgas.

How it works

Someone asks for money and may continue following after you decline. This is a pressure tactic; a request for money is not by itself proof of fraud.

Warning signs

  • The person follows you after you walk away.
  • Repeated requests continue after you decline.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep walking after declining.
  2. Enter a shop or sit inside a café if you are followed.
  3. Ask a security guard for help if the person will not leave.

If it happens to you

Stay in a staffed place and seek help from security if the following continues.

  1. Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who is threatening you.
  2. Freeze stolen or compromised cards and contact your card issuer. Report any unauthorised transactions.
  3. Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages, booking records and the time and location. For taxi disputes, record the taxi's details.
  4. Report theft or fraud to police. Call 112 if you face immediate danger or need emergency help.
  5. Contact your insurer, booking provider or rental company where relevant. Ask what records they need.
  6. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement travel-document advice.
Where it happensStreet approaches to foreigners in Burgas.Burgas

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in BulgariaConfidence tricks: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the persistent requests for money scam in Bulgaria?

Someone asks for money and may continue following after you decline. This is a pressure tactic; a request for money is not by itself proof of fraud.

How can I spot it early?

The person follows you after you walk away. Repeated requests continue after you decline.

How do I avoid persistent requests for money in Bulgaria?

Keep walking after declining. Enter a shop or sit inside a café if you are followed. Ask a security guard for help if the person will not leave.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stay in a staffed place and seek help from security if the following continues.

Where in Bulgaria does this happen?

Street approaches to foreigners in Burgas. It has been reported in Burgas.

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.

Are there similar scams in Bulgaria?

Yes: questionable charity collections, contraband and stolen-goods approaches, unsolicited directions and persistent street approaches.

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.

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