Customers of Sofia removal and building-repair firms have gone to police and prosecutors with complaints. In an investigation by the programme "Po sledite", they told the media that the firms quoted a low price over the phone, then demanded hundreds or thousands of euros after the job. They say they faced pressure and threats when they refused to pay.
The customers describe the same scheme. The firm first gives a tempting low price. Once the work has started or is done, the sum jumps. The victims say they were pressed to pay many times more than agreed.
One woman was quoted €80 to €100 for taking away a sofa, but was asked for €600 in the end. Another customer was asked for €1,800 to clear a cellar. The sum fell to €400 after a threat to call the police. A third customer paid €1,500 to move furniture a short distance.
The NOVA investigation names one of the firms' owners, Kiril Mihaylov, as having been at the scene in person in one of the cases. At first he denied any link to the case.
Police and prosecutors have yet to check the customers' claims. No court has ruled on them.
The risk is highest with services where the price is not fixed in advance. At some firms the final sum depends on the amount of work, the floor, transport, the weight of the items and extra fees. If these terms are not put in writing beforehand, the customer is in a weaker position in a dispute.
Customers should therefore ask for a clear final quote, details about the firm and a specific description of the service before work begins.