Attempts at fraud with false PCR tests or vaccination documents are becoming more frequent on the eve of the summer tourist season. In the specific case, the fake tests were ordered through social networks by fictitious laboratories that provided a field testing service, it is clear from the signals of victims.
After sampling by the fictitious laboratory technicians, certificates with a negative result for COVID-19 were issued. The test subjects usually find out about the fraud when traveling and when checking the border certificate, NOVA reported.
Instead of a business visit to Greece – arrest at the border. Thus ends the planned business trip for a man and a woman – representatives of the Bulgarian business, who went on business to our southern neighbor at the end of April. To travel, they did a PCR test. At the border, however, they understand that the issued document with the result is fake and without knowing it, they have become a victim of fraud.
“It is established to them, when calling the laboratory by the inspector, that such a test does not exist or corresponds to another person. Then the respective traveler is immediately detained, as he uses a document with incorrect content “, explained lawyer Georgi Dimitrov, who told us about the scheme of the fraud. The victims sought his help after they were detained. Because of the experience they do not want to stand in front of the camera. The two cases are different, but the scenario is the same.
“They come across a site that pretends to be a well-known laboratory that does PCR tests. There are forms through which a site visit is requested with all the necessary data about the person to whom the PCR test should be performed, ”he explained. To save time, they order the “office test” service on the phone, left on the Internet, a few hours before the business trip.
“They agree on a place to take a sample, they really come and take a sample of secretion to take the test. Usually, the payment is made immediately on the spot, “the lawyer added. Thus, a few hours later, for BGN 100-150, they received a document with a negative test result. The certificate contained all the necessary information and did not arouse any suspicion.
“This certificate is similar to the real one issued by a laboratory. Unsuspecting people pay the amount and when traveling abroad, when checking the certificate, it is established that the certificate is fake, “explained Prof. Dimitrov. It is then that they realize that they have been deceived. And that the tests in the office were staged entirely by fictitious laboratory technicians.
“There are practically no laboratories behind them, there are some people who pretend to be laboratory technicians, take samples and take some money to deceive the consumer. And he never gets a real favor. I am aware of two who have come under such an investigation – two cases of which I have been notified.
They are not to blame for this, but they are detained, investigations are launched, which creates incredible confusion. Separately, that business trips, etc. are violated “, the lawyer added. Attempts to reconnect to the lab hit a snag, as the pages from which the requests were made no longer existed.
“These sites usually last a little – 2-3 days, enough to recruit fraudsters. It relies on fast turnover – a small number of users, but for a short time. And then this model is repeated – only from another laboratory, “said lawyer Dimitrov.
Creating such fake pages on social networks takes a few minutes, reveals cybersecurity expert Lyubomir Tulev. Without arousing any doubt in the potential victims.
“These profiles completely copy the broadcast of the official laboratories in Bulgaria – logos, names, addresses. Most people, unfortunately, do not even realize that they have fallen victim to fraud, ie. they operate with the intent that this is a legitimate laboratory that simply uses social media for faster contact with its potential customers. Fraudsters actually take advantage of a wave – something that is in demand and for which there is a great supply, “said the expert.
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