How to Spot an Immigration Scam

We recognise that the immigration process can be complex and that applicants are at risk of becoming victims of scams or fraud. We encourage you to use the information in this article to help safeguard your information and avoid becoming a victim. By being aware of common scams and understanding the immigration process, you can protect yourself from fraudulent activity and approach your immigration journey with confidence.

Why Are People Susceptible to Immigration Scams?

Although the Bulgarian visa, residence permit and citizenship applications are designed to be completed and submitted by the applicant, the biggest issue is that the whole process is not foreigner friendly. When faced with such difficulty or a desire to quickly secure their immigration status, people become more vulnerable to immigration scams. In such circumstances, the desperation to secure a legal status can cloud judgment and lead to susceptibility to fraudulent schemes.

Immigration Scammers Take Advantage of Uncertainty

Immigrating to a new country is often a complex and challenging process. Unfortunately, certain organisations and individuals may attempt to exploit those seeking assistance with their immigration needs. Many foreigners experience anxiety around the immigration process, often uncertain if they qualify for a visa or residence permit and unfamiliar with the security and immigration checks conducted by Bulgarian authorities. These uncertainties make non-residents frequent targets for scammers.

Common Online Immigration Scams

When using social media, be aware of the following types of immigration scams:

Government Impersonators
Be cautious of individuals posing as government or immigration officials. Official representatives will only contact you through verified government channels and will not use personal social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Reddit. Fraudulent "government" representatives may request personal information, such as your date of birth, passwords, or financial details, or direct you to a fake website. Remember, genuine Bulgarian government officials will never ask for sensitive information or send visas, residence permits, or other immigration documents via email or social media.
Misleading Offers
If you seek help online or in forums, watch for individuals offering assistance in exchange for personal information or fees. These fraudsters may claim they can provide quick access to a visa or residence permit. They often use language that sounds professional and may present fake documents to appear trustworthy. Typically, these scammers demand high fees and extend the process unnecessarily, eventually ceasing communication once the victim realises they have been deceived.
Paying for Connections or "Jumping the Line"
Certain businesses and websites may falsely present themselves as immigration experts with "special connections" to government officials, promising expedited processing for a fee. They may even suggest that visas, residence permits, or citizenship applications are part of an exclusive arrangement between the government and immigration lawyers. However, only official immigration authorities can determine application outcomes. Claims that imply foreigners require such services to navigate the process are generally misleading.

Common Street/Public Immigration Scams

Here are some prevalent scams to watch out for when dealing with immigration services in person:

Fake "Friends"
One thing that is important to know prior to arrival is that the immigration laws in Bulgaria change frequently and applicants (and even I can boldly claim many lawyers) are not always aware of those changes. Upon arrival in the country, many foreigners assume they can handle the immigration process independently, only to realise that the procedures in Bulgaria are intricate and often unclear. As time pressures and stress mount, people may turn to "friends" or acquaintances for assistance. Unfortunately, some individuals may exploit this vulnerability, promising quick solutions in exchange for a substantial fee, only to disappear with the money or offer inadequate services.
Fake Immigration Assistants
When foreigners go to the immigration office they quickly come to realise that nobody speaks English. Even if they do, they don’t. In order to submit the documents everything must be in Bulgarian and all communication in the immigration office is in Bulgarian. Unless non-residents arrive with good Bulgarian language skills and can navigate appointments with insurance, notaries, and immigration officers this will become a huge hurdle for them.

Scammers often linger near these offices, posing as helpers or immigration consultants. Dressed professionally, they exploit language difficulties and unfamiliarity with the immigration system to charge high fees without delivering promised services. Keep your passport and other identity documents secure at all times.

Recognising Common Bulgarian Immigration Scams

Immigration scams often share common warning signs:

Promises of Guaranteed Success
No legitimate immigration lawyer or consultant can guarantee a specific outcome for your application. If someone promises a visa, residence permit, or citizenship without understanding the details of your case, it is likely a scam. Personal data, such as proof of a Bulgarian bank account, proof of address, and nationality, are critical for applications. Be wary of anyone downplaying their importance.
Pressure to Act Quickly
Scammers often create a sense of urgency, encouraging you to act immediately or risk losing out on an opportunity to qualify for a visa, residence permit, or citizenship (that may not even exist in the first place). Does what they're telling you make sense? Take time to research and verify the legitimacy of any offer before making decisions. Scammers rely on you not spotting warning signs because you're in a hurry.
Unsolicited Offers of Help
Be cautious of individuals or companies that approach you directly with immigration assistance. Legitimate professionals do not typically solicit clients this way. During a consultation, an authentic immigration specialist will readily answer questions and provide relevant information. Evasive responses and unwillingness to provide clear answers are red flags.
Lack of Interest in Your Eligibility Criteria
If you're planning to come to Bulgaria for purposes such as studying, working, visiting, or joining family, you may need a specific type of visa. A reputable immigration lawyer or consultant will always begin by assessing your eligibility criteria. Before starting the application process, they will determine if you indeed require a visa, and if so, which type best suits your needs. A qualified professional will tailor this assessment to your unique circumstances, asking critical questions such as: where you come from, why you want to come to Bulgaria, how long you want to stay for, and any relevant personal circumstances or skills. By gathering this information, they can advise on the most appropriate visa type, ensuring that the application aligns with both your needs and Bulgarian immigration requirements.

How to Avoid Fake Immigration Lawyers in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, all fully qualified lawyers are listed on public registers, by law. These registers are known as ‘The Bar Registers’ and nowadays, they are accessible online. You can search the register by the name or registration number of the lawyer. It will state their date of qualification, current status, office address, email, phone number, registration number and other publicly shared information. Here is the link to the website listing all practising lawyers in Bulgaria. Verifying this information before engaging with any legal professional or immigration consultant is highly advisable.