Scam in BulgariaOn the street
Questionable charity collections in Bulgaria
How it works
People asking for money may show documents and badges from supposed charity foundations. These items alone do not establish that the collection is genuine.
Warning signs
- Someone stops you to request money while displaying a charity badge or documents.
- You are pressed to decide on the spot.
How to avoid it
- Say no firmly and keep moving.
- Do not treat a badge or document as proof.
- If you want to donate, verify the organisation independently first.
If it happens to you
End the interaction and move away. If you believe money was taken fraudulently, keep any details and report it.
- 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/bulgaria2024I keep falling for these scammers who targets foreignersA foreign resident reports repeated donation requests from people they believe are pretending to have disabilities.Read on Reddit
- NewsFraudsters collect donations in malls: heres the schemeThe report describes collectors using fake charity certificates and demanding donations for a nonexistent centre for deaf people and disadvantaged children.Read on News
Questions
What is the questionable charity collections scam in Bulgaria?
People asking for money may show documents and badges from supposed charity foundations. These items alone do not establish that the collection is genuine.
How can I spot it early?
Someone stops you to request money while displaying a charity badge or documents. You are pressed to decide on the spot.
How do I avoid questionable charity collections in Bulgaria?
Say no firmly and keep moving. Do not treat a badge or document as proof. If you want to donate, verify the organisation independently first.
What should I do if it happens to me?
End the interaction and move away. If you believe money was taken fraudulently, keep any details and report it.
Where in Bulgaria does this happen?
Street approaches in Plovdiv. It has been reported in Plovdiv.
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: contraband and stolen-goods approaches, unsolicited directions and persistent street approaches, persistent requests for money.
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