Dear Customers,
We would like to warn you about an increase in fraud attempts in which individuals impersonate Bank employees and contact customers via Viber or WhatsApp, or by phone.
During the call, the fraudsters claim that a bank card or access to mobile/online banking has been blocked. A common feature of these calls is that no specific information is provided about the affected card, account or alleged transaction.
In some cases, customers are prompted to press a specific button or follow instructions, with the interaction resembling a genuine bank customer service process. The aim is to gain the customer's trust and subsequently obtain sensitive banking information.
You can find the full list of UniCredit Bulbank telephone numbers that may be used by the Bank to contact you via this link (Only in Bulgarian).
To protect yourself:
- Do not trust unexpected calls concerning blocked cards, access to banking services or alleged suspicious transactions, especially when no specific details are provided.
- Do not follow any instructions you receive without first verifying their authenticity.
- Never disclose bank card details, PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), token codes, usernames or passwords for mobile or online banking.
- Do not authorise transactions or actions that you have not initiated yourself.
Be extra vigilant when communicating on social media
There has also been an increase in fraud involving social media and messaging apps.
Fraudsters often pose as people in distress, in need or facing difficult life circumstances, as well as individuals seeking friendship, a romantic relationship or a long-term relationship. Once they have gained the victim's trust, they begin asking for financial assistance or encouraging the victim to invest, requesting transfers to bank accounts in Bulgaria or abroad.
The most common reasons given include:
- urgent medical expenses;
- temporary financial difficulties;
- promises of high investment returns;
- the need for funds for travel, delivery or the release of a shipment.
Watch out for the following warning signs:
- Requests to send money soon after communication begins.
- Refusal to meet in person or repeatedly finding reasons to postpone a meeting.
- Pressure to make an urgent transfer.
- Requests to keep the communication secret.
- Promises of quick and guaranteed financial returns.
For your security:
- Do not transfer money to people you do not know personally.
- Do not make payments under pressure or in response to promises of unrealistically high returns.
- If you suspect fraud, stop communicating with the person and do not make any payments.
- Notify your nearest police station.
If you suspect fraud, end the call and contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0700 1 84 84.
Kind regards,
The Team of UniCredit Bulbank