Do you shop online? Stay alert!

Criminals impersonate services offering fast transfers (such as Dotpay, PayU or Przelewy24). Fake websites operated by criminals steal internet banking logins and passwords, as well as authorization codes approving transfers. Victims who fail to exercise caution may lose their savings.

How serious is the problem?

More than 100 different websites pretending to be payment intermediaries and used by criminals were recorded in March alone. Unaware consumers who disclose their identity to criminals may enable it to be used to conclude agreements in their name and, consequently, for example, incur financial liabilities.

Criminals use various methods to lure victims to fake websites. Users may be directed to them through links in text messages, online messengers or fake online stores.

How can you avoid becoming a victim of criminals?

  • Be wary of all messages about the need to pay or make a small additional payment (e.g. PLN 0.76) that contain a link to a website pretending to be a payment intermediary. Before making a transfer, contact the company listed as the sender of the message (e.g. a telecommunications operator, store or online service).
  • If a website asks for your internet banking login and password, check the browser bar to see whether its web address matches your bank’s website address. If the address differs from usual, do not log in to the website or provide your details there. Notify your bank as well.
  • Always read carefully the content of every SMS containing an authorization code from your bank. If your bank offers this option, switch from SMS messages to authorization via a mobile application.
  • If you suspect that you are a victim of online fraud, report it as soon as possible to your bank, then to the CERT.PL incident response team (at https://incydent.cert.pl/) and the nearest police station. The institutions listed below will provide you with information about the next steps.

You also have the right to file a complaint with your bank. Details are available on the website of the Polish National Police Headquarters.