Bulgaria: Security Experts Warn about New Scam – Fake PCR Tests

Frauds with fake PCR tests on the eve of the summer tourist season are gaining currency in Bulgaria. Several companies blew the whistle after their representatives became victims of alleged lab technicians. The victims were even actually tested, and then received certificates  with negative tests results. When do they find out they've been deceived? And is there a boom in fake travel certificates during the summer holidays season - Georgi Georgiev commented on the issue in  "On your side" TV talk show.

He told about an exemplary case when the tests were offered through social networks by fictitious laboratories that provided an on-site testing service, the reports of victims show. After testing the alleged lab workers issued certificates with a negative result for COVID-19. Those tested usually find out about the fraud when the certificate is checked at the border.

What follows is arrest at the border instead of a business trip to Greece. So ended the planned trip for a man and a woman, representatives of a Bulgarian company who headed to our southern neighbor on business at the end of April. To travel trouble-free they made a PCR test. At the border, however, they understood that the issued document with the test result is a fake and, without knowing, they have fallen victim to fraud.

'In their case the examining officer called the laboratory and found that no such test has ever been taken or another person was tested. Then the relevant travelers are immediately detained because they submit a fraudulent document," explained lawyer Georgi Dimitrov, who told us about the scam. The victims sought his assistance after being detained.

Because of what they've been through, they don't want to stand in front of a camera. The two cases are...

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