Sofia Police warn of phone scams after elderly woman loses 7,000 euros

An elderly woman from the village of Shiroki Dol, Samokov municipality, has fallen victim to a telephone scam. Scammers contacted her claiming her daughter required an urgent leg operation costing 22,000 euros.

Distressed by the news, the woman handed over her entire savings of 7,000 euros to an unknown man who was waiting for her near a local church. The fraud was discovered later that day, and a police report has been filed. A pre-trial investigation has been initiated.

The Sofia Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior has issued a warning to the public, noting that scammers frequently use high-pressure tactics involving fake medical emergencies, alleged police assistance, or claims of a relative being involved in a traffic accident. Authorities emphasize that police, doctors, and state officials will never request money over the phone or send individuals to collect cash in person.