The method was once again the same. First, a phone call with information about an accident. Second, a call from a police officer or prosecutor saying that a large sum of money was needed to “sort out” the matter. Third, handing the money over to a complete stranger. Fourth, coming to one’s senses, starting to think clearly, and crying and being angry with oneself.
On Thursday, July 9, this is exactly what happened to a 78-year-old woman from Zgorzelec who wanted to help her son-in-law. However, her real son-in-law did not need any money. The elderly woman lost as much as PLN 44,000.
The police remind us that scammers prey on human naivety. Let us exercise particular caution. Let us look after our loved ones, especially elderly people, and make them aware of this type of behavior. All it takes is following a few basic safety rules:
- do not provide any information over the phone about our home or savings
- do not tell callers over the phone when we are at home or who we live with
- do not hand over cash or any other items to strangers
- do not let people we do not know into our homes. One phone call to a relative using a known number is enough to
- confirm whether they really need financial assistance
- report every such attempted fraud to the police—call 997.
KPP Zgorzelec/ii