They pose as family members, administration employees, representatives of state institutions or charities... Their goal is always the same – to rob you. This most often involves entering the victim’s home. Knowing this makes it easier to protect yourself. The police advise what to do to avoid falling victim to scammers:

  • if someone claims to be an employee of the administration, a charity or a similar organization – before letting them in, call the organization they refer to and ask whether such a person was supposed to visit you. Always demand an identity document and examine it very carefully
  • remember that such (genuine) visits are preceded by an appropriate announcement, such as a notice in the stairwell or information provided by the housing cooperative or residents’ association. Also be cautious about telephone notifications. After all, the caller may be a scammer
  • do not believe in sudden, concerned visits from vaguely identified friends from years ago, acquaintances or colleagues, or family members. They are most often scammers who want to enter your home and simply rob you
  • remember that scammers often ask to leave a message for a female neighbor. When you go to get paper and a pen, they may enter your apartment
  • scammers very often work in pairs and ask to check, for example, ventilation ducts or the cooker. One will accompany you, distracting your attention from the other, who will rob the apartment in the meantime
  • be careful when buying from door-to-door sellers. It happens that money and jewelry disappear during presentations of carpets, vacuum cleaners or other items
  • be especially careful if a visitor demands money, such as a first installment or an advance payment. Remember that you can always pay later, for example by bank transfer or at the post office
  • if you have already let scammers inside, carefully remember their faces and as many details of their clothing as possible. Do not panic. If they realize that you have exposed them, they may hurt you. It is best to pretend that you are going to borrow money from a neighbor and discreetly ask the neighbor to notify the police. If this is not possible, call the police after the scammers leave. Remember that it is better to lose money than your life
  • if you have any doubts, ask a neighbor for help. The presence of other people usually scares off a thief.