Bulgarian vacationers encounter dog‑travel rules and rental scams in Greece

For Bulgarians taking dogs on a summer road trip to Greece, EU regulations require a pet passport, a microchip matching the passport data, a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel), and proper documentation at the border. Safe transport is advised via a securely fixed crate, a dedicated harness, or a metal barrier between the cargo area and passenger compartment, with regular rest stops and no dogs left unattended in hot vehicles.

At the same time, Bulgarian travelers are being targeted by organized crime groups offering fraudulent Greek holiday apartments. Scammers use Facebook groups and Viber to present stolen photos of attractive rentals, request high deposits (often half the total cost), and disappear after payment. Victims have lost amounts ranging from €90 for a night to over €300. Cyber‑security expert Yavor Kolev recommends reverse‑image searches, Google Earth verification, live video tours, and booking only through licensed platforms, while urging victims to preserve communications and report the crime to banks, the GDBOP, Economic Police, or prosecutors.