<\/p>\n
Fraud is an offence against property in which the victim makes a property disposition because they have been deceived. This distinguishes fraud from theft and misappropriation.<\/p>\n
Under Article 209 of the Bulgarian Criminal Code, the perpetrator must, with the purpose of obtaining a property benefit, create or maintain a false belief in another person and thereby cause property damage. A causal link must exist between the deception, the victim’s decision and the damage.<\/p>\n
Deception may be caused through false statements, documents, conduct or concealment that creates a false impression. Maintaining deception occurs when an existing mistake is knowingly reinforced or exploited.<\/p>\n
Damage may consist of transferring money or an object, assuming an obligation, waiving a right or another reduction of property. The purpose of obtaining a benefit must exist and cover the result.<\/p>\n
Not every failure to perform a contract is a crime. The key question is whether fraudulent intent already existed when the obligation was undertaken and whether the deception caused the property disposition. Later financial difficulties alone do not prove fraud.<\/p>\n
The law provides heavier liability for impersonating an official, prior agreement, repetition, large amounts and other circumstances. Very large amounts or particularly serious cases carry heavier penalties.<\/p>\n
For online methods, see Internet fraud and phishing<\/a>, document and computer fraud<\/a> and the articles on cybercrime.<\/p>\n