On 27 July, at around 1:00 p.m., an 82-year-old woman received a call from a man who claimed to be a police officer. He informed her that the police had uncovered a scandal at the bank and that her savings were at risk because they could be stolen by thieves. The victim withdrew cash from the bank and handed it to a stranger outside her apartment block. The fake police officer promised that the money would be returned after fingerprints had been taken. After receiving the money, the fraudster called her again and thanked her for helping catch a gang of thieves. He also informed her that the following day the bank director and a prosecutor would come to her home to draw up a report.
Anyone with any information that could help identify and arrest the perpetrators of this crime is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Department of the KMP in Jelenia Góra (22 Armii Krajowej Street, 2nd floor), in person or by telephone: no. 75 75 20 199, 997.
Fraudsters often extort money from elderly people who live alone. Sometimes, when calling, criminals pose as police officers and convince potential victims that the police can arrest the perpetrator of a crime only after money has been handed over. They explain that officers in civilian clothes will be sent to collect the money.
The police warn against such conduct. Criminals prey on people’s naivety. Therefore, officers appeal to residents of our region to look after their elderly loved ones and make them aware of this type of behavior. Do not provide any information over the telephone about your home, savings, when you are at home or who you live with. Do not answer any surveys containing similar questions. Do not hand over cash or any other items to strangers. Do not let survey takers, salespeople or other suspiciously behaving people into your home. Always call a relative back using a known number. Contact a family member to confirm such an incident.
KMP Jelenia Góra/ii