Online Scams & Fraud in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, cybercrimes have been raising steadily even though the Ministry of Internal Affairs claims that there were only 51 incidents that were reported in 2021. According to the Chairman of the Bulgarian Cybercrime Association, cyberattacks had grown by a double-digit percentage in Bulgaria, and their unofficial statistics showed a 70% increase in the number of small and medium-sized businesses that had been targeted (excluding critical state infrastructure like hospitals, banks, etc.). Ransomware and phishing attacks are the two most typical types of attacks. 

Read on as we discuss all there is to know about online scams in Bulgaria including where to report, how to check for scams and victim support. 

Scam Statistics in Bulgaria

The key statistics on online fraud in Bulgaria, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance. 

The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.

Where Can I Report a Scam in Bulgaria?

• State Agency for National Security (DANS): DANS is the main intelligence and counterintelligence agency in Bulgaria, and they handle cybercrime investigations.
• Cybercrime Police Department- You can now report online fraud to the office of the Cybercrime Department within GDCOC
• The National Computer Security Incidents Response Team (CERT)- They receive all types of cybercrimes in the country. You can reach them at +359 2 949 22 12 or email cert@govcert.bg
• Bulgarian Commission for Consumer Protection- You can file a complaint against any consumer-related fraud through the national hotline; at 0700 111 22 or their email.
• Bulgarian Commission for Personal Data Protection (CPDP)- If the scam involves a breach of personal data, you can contact the CPDP. 

How to Report a Scam in Bulgaria

Reporting a scam is crucial. At the moment, only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0.05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.

• Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
• Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
• Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
• Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.

Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.

Scam Victim Support in Bulgaria

We are unaware of any scam victim support in  Bulgaria. You can do your due diligence and reach out to a therapist for help.

How to Check for a Scam in Bulgaria

Of course, you can always check for scams on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well.

• The Bulgarian Registry Agency- You can check if a business is registered here thou having a company registered doesn’t always mean it's not a scam. You can read more here.
• Financial Supervision Commission- Check for investment-related scams here as they regulate the stock market in Bulgaria.

Other Anti-Scam Organizations

•  The Bulgarian Cybercrime Association- As the name suggests, they strive to ensure safety in the Cyber Security space in Bulgaria.
• LIBRe Foundation- This not-for-profit non-governmental organization specializes in technology-related legal, ethical, social, and policy issues in Bulgaria.
• The National Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCSIRT)- They are set up locally for various sectors (i.e., energy, transport, banking, financial market infrastructure, health, and digital) and coordinate their efforts with CERT.

Popular Scams in Bulgaria

Credit card fraud and ATM skimming

Skimming devices are used by criminals to acquire ATM users' personal identification numbers (PINs) and card information. In Bulgaria, there are many examples of credit card fraud and ATM skimming that are recorded each year. To steal information from credit cards and debit cards at ATMs, criminals are using skimming devices more frequently. 

Given that they are frequently designed to seem like genuine machine components, these devices can be challenging to identify. The stolen information can subsequently be used by criminals to generate counterfeit cards or illicit purchases. Fraudsters can also access credit card data by breaking into databases that store sensitive data or by falling for phishing scams. The Bulgarian government has taken action to solve this issue, stepping up ATM surveillance and collaborating with financial institutions to strengthen security protocols. Consumers and businesses in Bulgaria continue to face this problem, nevertheless.

Scam News From Bulgaria

• Bulgarian authorities take down online investment scam responsible for losses of more than EUR 10 million
• Searches in Bulgaria in international probe into the fraudulent online investment platform

Contributors

• Alexandra Tsvetkova-Director, LIBRe Foundation

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