08.02.2023
HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SCAMS BY WITHDRAWING LOANS ONLINE ON OUR NAME?
Imagine that you go to the bank to take out a loan and are surprised to find out that you have a bad credit history, even though you have always been a good payer. Several loans have been taken out in your name, which are not being repaid and whose existence you did not suspect.
This is followed by a tour of all the financial institutions from which loans have been taken out in your name. If you are lucky, after a lot of arguments, headaches and lost time, you will be proven right and the fraudster will be discovered.
The anonymity that the Internet offers has given customers more convenience, but it has also opened up new horizons for fraudsters. The main problem with online lending is that the customer cannot be identified.
Take a look at the sites of a few random lending institutions - you will be impressed by the advertising of loans "only against ID", "express approval in one hour", etc. When the signing of the contract does not take place face-to-face, it is possible to become a victim of fraud with your personal data.
Verification is the mother of security
Everyone has the right to access their credit history in the Central Credit Register of the BNB. CCR is a data information system that contains information about where and what loans you have.
If you are worried or have doubts that someone has taken out a loan on your behalf, you can make an inquiry at the CCR. The reference can also be made electronically, but the person must possess a qualified certificate for an electronic signature containing the personal identification number of the individual.
The other way in which an inquiry can be made is on-site at the BNB, by submitting an application according to a template. You have the right to a free reference once a year, and additional checks are subject to a fee determined by the BNB. The report is received within 14 days. The application can also be submitted by mail, with the requirement that the applicant's signature be notarized.
How to protect yourself from fraud
Many people often handle their personal data without paying much attention to where and to whom they provide it. But you need to be on your guard so you don't have to pay back amounts you haven't used and end up in even more serious legal trouble.
Statistics show that in recent years, cases of this type of criminal arbitrariness have become more and more frequent, sometimes involving tens of thousands of BGN. Fraudsters may take out multiple small loans from different lending institutions.
Some people naively give out their online banking access code to strangers, believing it is needed to get a job, pay for a purchase, etc. After obtaining the desired data, the fraudsters use it to take credit from online and mobile lending companies and pay an identification fee from their victim's bank account. Once the loan amount is transferred, the fraudsters immediately withdraw it from the victim's account.
If a malicious person obtains even just your personal identification number, he could receive money in your name, and it is logical that the company would then look for the person behind the relevant data used. Therefore, do not share your personal data, even with acquaintances, if this is not imperative.
There are also many cases where fraudsters get hold of people's personal details, through electricity, water and telephone bills, as well as bank statements. Anyone could get hold of these confidential documents, which are often left in mailboxes.
Here's how to insure yourself to the max:
- never give your personal e-mail or social network account passwords to anyone;
- avoid using wireless internet in different places, such as cafes and restaurants;
- choose a password that is not easy to guess (letters, numbers and characters) on a regular basis (at least once every 3 months);
- use different passwords for social networks, email and online banking;
- keep written information about the account number and passwords for online banking and access codes in a place inaccessible to other people;
- order the bank's SMS service for notification of incoming/outgoing payments;
- protect your computer with a password and update your software regularly;
- never open suspicious emails from unknown senders;
- always verify the identity of the person or company to whom you allow access to your personal data;
- educate yourself and the people around you about personal data protection!
How to act if you find an irregularity
If you have been a victim of fraud, early detection is of the utmost importance. For example, when you start receiving personally addressed correspondence or calls related to the recovery of incurred debts.
In this case, you must first determine the reason for the collection, i.e. on what grounds the creditor's representative initiated collection actions. The most common reason is a loan agreement signed with a credit institution. In the event that you did not sign a contract, this situation can be assessed as fraud.
You should check whether your bank account has been operated illegally. For starters, it's a good idea to start by checking your account - looking at transactions and identifying any you haven't done. This data can be used as evidence in the investigation process.
If an error has occurred and you are registered without taking out a loan, you should immediately contact the credit institution. Ask the CCR for the history and inform the bank or company that registered you about the mistake made. If fraud has been committed, they will launch an investigation to track down the perpetrator.
If you discover that a loan has been illegally withdrawn in your name, you should contact the police and file a complaint immediately. Attach a bank statement showing the fraudulent transaction. When the police receive the fraud victim's complaint, they decide to initiate criminal proceedings, making sure that the transactions in question were not carried out by the victim.
Virtually any of us could become a victim of digital criminals who use stolen personal data to withdraw money on behalf of their victims. The most important thing is not to panic and start paying off debt that is not yours. If you make a contribution even once, you are "on the hook" and they won't let you go. File a rebuttal and seek your rights because the law is on your side.
07.02.2023
YOUNG TALENTS IN OUR COUNTRY WILL BE TRAINED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Young talents with entrepreneurial potential between the ages of 15 and 30 can join the "Incubators for Innovative Enterprises" project, which was launched in Plovdiv on February 19, reports the Fund of Funds, which organizes the project in partnership with the "Association for International social development" and Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski".
The project is financed under the Erasmus+ program of the EU. Its budget is 50,550 euros.
The main goal of the project is to stimulate the partnership between young entrepreneurs in the country and representatives of the local administration, business and educational institutions through seminars and interactive training methods, practical exchange of knowledge, skills and ideas.
Simulations in the form of role-playing games for the creation of startups are planned to upgrade the knowledge and skills of young people related to the generation of innovative ideas, business planning, entrepreneurial skills, creation and financing of startup ventures, presentation to investors. Those wishing to participate will be selected by completing a digital questionnaire created for the project.
Among the goals of the project are professional career guidance of young people, development of entrepreneurial skills and their own business, and opportunities to finance their innovative ideas, said Dochka Vasileva from the Fund of Funds. If they already have their business idea and innovative solutions, we will work together with the young people so that they can further develop their idea, in the preparation of a business plan and a presentation to investors. We could finance young startups in an early phase through our equity investment funds, Vasileva pointed out.
So far, 30 young talents from Plovdiv have expressed their desire to participate. There is interest from young people and from other cities, said Daughter Vasileva.
Seminars on the project are planned to be held in 10 cities in the country. Apart from Plovdiv, there will be meetings with young entrepreneurs in Vratsa, Ruse, Varna, Burgas, Gabrovo, Stara Zagora, Svishtov, Blagoevgrad and Sofia.
07.02.2023
THE MUNICIPALITIES WITH THE MOST UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED
The Ministry of Finance announced the municipalities in which unemployment was at or above 25 percent higher than the national average last year.
The list includes 165 mostly small municipalities. Blagoevgrad and Vidin districts have the most municipalities with high unemployment – 11 each.
Among them are the resort of Bansko, Petrich, Gotse Delchev, Vidin itself and Belogradchik. 10 are the municipalities with many unemployed in the Montana region, among them Berkovitsa and Lom.
The fewest municipalities with high unemployment are registered in Sliven district - Kotel and Tvarditsa, and in Yambol district - Bolyarovo, Elhovo and Straldzha.
According to data from the Employment Agency for the last month of last year, unemployment in our country was 4.7%. This means that unemployment in the mentioned municipalities is running at 30 percent.
At the end of December, the registered unemployed in the labor offices totaled 153,944, which is an increase of 8,513 persons more than those reported in November. Newly registered in December were 26,413 - 2,669 more than the previous month.
07.02.2023
THE EU COUNCIL ADOPTED A RECOMMENDATION ON THE MINIMUM INCOME
The Council of the European Union has announced that it has adopted a recommendation on the minimum income, which aims to combat poverty and social exclusion, increase employment, access to basic services for citizens without sufficient means.
Although all EU countries have social security systems, progress in making them accessible is uneven, so the Council recommends that countries provide and improve these systems with minimum income rates and other accompanying cash benefits, including in kind.
It is recommended that the level of the minimum income be determined according to a clear methodology, in accordance with national legislation and with the participation of stakeholders, taking into account the common sources of income, the particular needs of disadvantaged people and households, the income of the lowest paid or minimum wage earners, living standards and purchasing power, price changes.
EU countries are expected to take action to achieve an appropriate level of income support by 2030 at the latest, while maintaining budget sustainability.
States should regularly review and change the minimum income value. In times of economic downturn, flexibility in the calculation of the minimum income can play an important role in mitigating adverse social consequences and supporting the economy, the announcement added.
In 2021, more than 95.4 million Europeans are still at risk of poverty or social exclusion, especially among women, according to figures cited by the Council of the EU.
06.02.2023
LAW STUDENTS FROM SOFIA UNIVERSITY PROVIDE FREE ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Legal Clinic "Social Rights of People with Disabilities" at the Faculty of Law of the SU "St. Kliment Ohridski" provides free legal assistance to people with disabilities in the areas of:
Legal advice is provided by students of the "Law" specialty from the III, IV and V courses with the help of the head of the Legal Clinic - Dr. Tsveta Popova, chief assistant in the department of "Labor and Social Security Law" at the Faculty of Law of the SU "St. Kliment Ohridski".
The legal clinic accepts once a week, and the students examine the documents and information received by the client and provide opinions on the issues raised, and if necessary - prepare drafts of applications, signals, complaints, etc., in the conditions of confidentiality and compliance with the applicable protection regulations of personal data.
Those interested can contact the Clinic at e-mail: socialclinic@uni-sofia.bg to arrange a convenient time for a visit or another way to communicate.
03.02.2023
UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS WILL WE HAVE THE ELECTRONIC EMPLOYMENT RECORD BOOK
Comment from the specialist
The employment record book is an official document certifying the circumstances related to the labor activity of the worker or employee entered in it.
It includes circumstances regarding the data from the worker's or employee's personal documents, his education, the agreed remuneration, the position held, date and reason for termination of the employment relationship and other related to the employment relationship.
Is it possible to create an electronic register for this information, containing similar data, which would also be an "official certifying document" for employees to use if necessary, answers labor law expert Dr. Todor Kapitanov.
First of all, in order to create such a register, the possibility of using the relevant electronic records with employee data as evidence in case of possible disputes should be specified very carefully. This means that these intentions should be regulated in a specific law, and not by reference to a by-law.
The issues related to the content of the register, its creation and maintenance, the processing and access to the data from it, the deadlines for submitting the data to the register, the possibility of corrections in the register, etc., should be clearly defined by the legislation.
It is necessary to guarantee the security of data and access to them in the electronic labor register. Including guaranteeing workers and employees that all the information contained in the employment record book until it is transferred to electronic form will be preserved in its entirety, including providing for liability in the event of inaccuracies in the transfer of data from the paper employment record book to the electronic one and the possibility of contesting them in court, including when there are errors in the automatic calculation of their work experience. Also, the person responsible for making entries in the electronic employment record book should be determined by law.
We cannot help but pay attention to the fact that workers should be guaranteed free access to their own electronic work record. In most cases, practice shows that in working with the administration, citizens should pay to receive information from an administrative body, even though this information concerns their personal data.
The example of the administrative procedure for issuing a criminal record certificate, which in many cases is required when entering a job and for which citizens should pay, is an illustrative example of a procedure that should be avoided when requesting information on personal data on any occasion.
Of course, in addition to the interests of employees, we must not overlook those of employers. Therefore, it is important not to allow the creation of an unbearable additional administrative burden for employers, as well as to provide for a sufficient transition period after the adoption of the regulatory changes and the creation of the electronic register, so that employers can fulfill the obligations assigned to them by law.
What does "electronic employment record" mean?
The topic of the electronic employment record book is again on the agenda, after a bill was submitted for consideration, which aims to create an electronic employment record to replace the existing paper work (service) book of workers and employees, including civil servants.
The intention is to create an electronic register of employment, maintained by the Employment Agency, in which all data from the worker's employment book are entered. The employment record book should be replaced by an "electronic employment record" to which workers and employees will have access.
A transitional period for scanning and sending the data from all employment record books by the employers is also planned. It is also foreseen to automatically calculate the length of service of the persons and delete the texts from the Labor Code regarding benefits payable by the employer in case of illegal retention of the employment record book.
There is hardly a person who is against the idea of introducing modern technologies and methods for processing information related to individual data accompanying and reflecting the work path of every worker or employee, including government ones, as well as facts and circumstances that are relevant to their work.
However, what are the features and risks of a possible change in the legislation in this direction and how can they be avoided.
Upon a more in-depth and expert study of the matter, the otherwise good idea of introducing an electronic work record hides a number of risks that should be secured. Many more questions for reflection arise than are contained at first glance.
One of these questions is who and how will have access to the database contained in the electronic employment books, especially since under the current legislation these documents are the property of the workers/employees.
Another question that should be answered in advance is who and in what way will provide an additional administrative burden for employers, for example in the process of scanning employment record books, entering the database into the special register and most importantly - who and by which way will be responsible for wrongly entered data.
In summary, the proposals made do not sufficiently protect the rights of workers, insofar as the employer will have access to the benefits paid for non-compliance with notice on termination of the employment relationship, compensation for unused paid annual leave and other similar data, which are calculated on the basis of the remuneration of the person therefore employers will have access to salary information from the prospective applicant's previous employment.
In this situation, potential candidates for a new job will be put in a less favorable position when they have to negotiate the amount of their remuneration, and in the employers' arguments, the starting point will always be the amount of salary from the candidate's previous job.
These are only a small number of examples that show how a good idea, when it is not sufficiently specified and the element of protecting workers' rights is omitted (perhaps deliberately) can become a huge topic of dispute between the different parties in labor relations and practically cannot be implemented.
Bulgaria definitely needs digitization not only in the area of the employment book, but also in all processes related to the administrative commitments of the parties in labor relations. For this to happen, it certainly needs to be approached on a much larger scale, but also much more expertly.
02.02.2023
WHAT WILL I BECOME IN 2023? SIX PROFESSIONS WITH GOOD PROSPECTS DURING THE YEAR
The COVID-19 pandemic was a stepmother to some and a mother to others. While some industries have experienced and continue to experience major upheavals, others have enjoyed explosive growth, which has meant hiring many new employees.
An example of this is the technology industry. However, it is also an example of what happens to the labor market in these sectors after the situation normalizes. And it can only be described like this - the great release.
Still, there is no room for panic, according to the career guidance platform CareerFitter, and they indicate the areas in which the most jobs are expected to be opened on a global scale.
Health field
Home health workers and health assistants are proving to be one of the most in-demand during the pandemic, and this trend will continue, the platform believes. These occupations include day-to-day care of the elderly and sick, including administering medications, taking patients' temperatures and blood pressures, serving, and ambulating.
Medical and health service managers will also be in demand in the post-pandemic years. Their work involves planning, directing and coordinating the business activities of healthcare providers.
Chefs
If you already enjoy cooking for people, it's time to do it for pay, advises CareerFitter, as it will be one of the most in-demand jobs globally in 2023.
The tourism sector, hotels and restaurants were some of the most affected industries during the pandemic, which affected employment in these sectors. Now they are expected to experience a renaissance of sorts, and the best part is that you don't need a college degree to get into it.
Most chefs learn their skills through work experience. However, there is no shortage of courses, and the pay for this position is expected to increase.
In 2019, for example, chef Gordon Ramsay earned about $63 million. This shows that there is no lack of prospects for the profession.
Software development
Although the technology sector is a prime example of the labor market shocks of the normality-pandemic-normality transition, software developers will remain on the crest of the wave and the need for people with similar skills and knowledge will grow. If you like to find bugs in applications and develop them, and it is still just a hobby for you, then 2023 will give you ample opportunities for professional development.
The best thing is that even if you don't have much knowledge in the field, there are enough courses that will give you everything you need within a few months. Almost.
This group also includes web developers. After all, nowadays there is no organization or service that can survive without an internet presence. Therefore, this profession is expected to be among the leaders for a long time to come. An additional advantage is that you can work from home.
Cyber security
As a core part of every company's strategy today, cybersecurity is a field that constantly needs an influx of fresh blood.
Love computers and problem solving? This job might be perfect for you. As an information security specialist, you will help companies protect their critical data and offer solutions to prevent cyber attacks. You will assess security issues that companies may face and develop protection plans.
Although many employers prefer applicants with an academic background, this is ultimately a field where practical skills are extremely important.
Logistics
With all this talk about supply chain over the past few years, it's no surprise that experts in this field will continue to be in demand. It usually looks for well-organized people who can coordinate both their activity with that of other people and organizations, as well as the activities in which they are not directly involved.
Logistics professionals can find fulfillment far beyond purely logistics companies. These are necessary for any manufacturing industry, as the way in which products reach consumers is extremely important to their success, and therefore they are willing to provide good conditions for the people who guarantee it.
If you choose this field, you will ensure that the company has the supplies necessary to manufacture its products, as well as ensure that the finished product reaches the correct destination.
Working with data
The technological society is exponentially producing more and more data and information, and companies are using this data to improve their efficiency and profitability. To be of use to them, however, you must have an analytical mind, computer skills, a passion for raw data and a desire to turn it into information that can be understood and become the basis for informed decisions.
The data scientist collects and organizes the incoming information, analyzes the organized data and explains the results in a simple way so that others can understand them, then makes recommendations based on the results of the findings made.
Of course, those moving in this direction should keep in mind that artificial intelligence is already on the scene and will only get better. And it was created precisely for that.
01.02.2023
PROJECTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: ONLINE INFORMATION DAYS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS
Online information days for the programs that finance projects to ensure employment, rehabilitation and integration, building an accessible environment for people with disabilities are being launched.
Starting next week, participants will be able to familiarize themselves with the programs and ask their questions related to application conditions, allocation of funds, monitoring and reporting of project proposals. The program can finance activities related to training, acquiring skills for independent living, rehabilitation, art therapy, familiarization with cultural heritage, charity and trade bazaars, etc. Participants must be non-governmental organizations of and for people with disabilities.
The information sessions will be held as follows:
Each of the information events includes:
If you wish to participate, you can declare your intention to the following e-mail addresses of the Agency for People with Disabilities, taking into account the above-mentioned deadlines of each of the programs:
Rehabilitation and Integration Program: ahu_npo@mlsp.government.bg
Program "Independent economic activity": ahu_ssd@mlsp.government.bg
Program "Social and economic orientation of specialized enterprises and cooperatives": ahu_stn@mlsp.government.bg and ahu_sn@mlsp.government.bg
Program "Centers for protected employment": ahu_ssd@mlsp.government.bg
Accessible Architectural Environment Program: ahu_dostap@mlsp.government.bg
Those who expressed interest will additionally be sent an email with a link to join the Open Day event.
01.02.2023
BNB RAISED THE MAIN INTEREST RATE AGAIN
The Bulgarian National Bank raises the main interest rate again. Thus, from February 1, 2023, it will be 1.82 percent. This is the fifth in a row, an increase in the main interest rate. From January 1, it was increased to 1.42%, and from December 1 to 1.30%. In October it was set at 0.49% and in November it rose to 0.59%.
The main interest rate was last different from 0.00 on January 1, 2016, when it was 0.01%.
The value of the main interest rate matters, but only in some limited cases. Mainly the main interest rate is used to calculate the penalty or statutory interest on late payment. The calculation is done by adding 10% to the main interest rate.
The main interest rate is an instrument by which the value of a monetary unit in a country's economy is regulated and measured. Its amount is determined by the Central Bank.
When the main interest rate rises, it usually happens in a strong economy in order to balance it out. Inflation is also regulated in this way.
The Central bank reduces its size when the economy is in difficulty and there is a need to support it. This is done in order to stimulate the withdrawal of loans and provide new jobs.
01.02.2023
THE BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER IN THE WORKPLACE
"According to research from major institutions such as Horton, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the London School of Business and Finance, every giggle or giggle carries with it a number of benefits," writes Alison Beard in HBR.
"Laughter relieves stress and boredom, increases engagement, improves well-being, and induces not only creativity and collaboration, but also analytical precision and productivity."
Harvard Business School lecturer Alison Woods Brooks also found that cracking jokes in the workplace can make people appear more competent.
But what about being the subject of jokes and laughing heartily?
It can also bring a number of benefits to employees. "When you start laughing, it not only relieves your mental burden, but actually causes physical changes in your body," explains the Mayo Clinic.
This improves your intake of "oxygen-rich air", increasing endorphin release in your brain. "It can also stimulate circulation and muscle relaxation, which in turn help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress."
With all the research showing that less stress benefits employees and reduces absenteeism, the freedom to laugh seems like something that's not just good, but necessary at work.
A group of researchers even found that after watching a comedy video, employees were 10% more productive than their colleagues.
Of course, too much humor or laughter can have its drawbacks. For example, leaders who belittle employees or tell dirty jokes may set the stage for other employees to misbehave.
Within decency, however, laughter is generally a good thing, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.
So laugh freely, not every day all day of course. It's always good to be aware of the decibels in your environment and not distract colleagues.
As Harvard Medical School professor Carl Marcy says, “laughter is a social signal between people. He is like a punctuation mark.”
Sometimes in the midst of a stressful day, it helps to be the exclamation mark.
