Accommodation Scams in Sofia, Bulgaria
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in Sofia — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Accommodation Scams Scams
10
Total in Sofia
How it works
Small guesthouses and private apartment rentals in Sofia advertise on Booking.com and Airbnb but operate informally without proper registration. Guests arrive to find overcrowded dorms instead of private rooms, no hot water, or locks on bedroom doors. Cancellation policies listed as "free" become non-refundable when you try to cancel. Owners claim currency or card processing issues and demand cash-only payment upon arrival, pocketing the difference. Safety and cleanliness standards are poor.
See all scams in Sofia
10 total warnings across all categories