As reported by the Voivodeship Police Headquarters in Gorzów Wielkopolski, residents of Lubusz Voivodeship have lost more than one and a half million zlotys this year alone. Fraudsters are to blame.
Deputy Commissioner Maciej Kimet of the Voivodeship Police Headquarters in Gorzów Wielkopolski:
Each time, the criminal scheme looked the same—a phone call from a fake police officer or family member, a dramatic story, and the transfer of money…
And he adds:
We remind you: police officers never ask people to hand over money to them, nor do they involve bystanders in carrying out police “operations.” This is a method used by fraudsters, so if there is even the slightest suspicion of an attempted fraud, let us inform the Police of the situation as soon as possible. Prompt reporting increases the chances of apprehending the perpetrator.
Unfortunately, despite numerous appeals from police officers, fraud involving people posing as police officers, officers, grandchildren or other individuals continues to occur in Lubusz Voivodeship.
Who most often falls victim to fraudsters?
The victims are most often older people and seniors who, trusting others, are deceived by false stories told by telephone con artists. Officers:
These fabricated stories often concern a road accident involving family members or participation in a “secret police operation” targeting criminals. The element of surprise can play a major role, increasing the likelihood that people will believe these invented stories. At that point, it is only a short step to withdrawing money from an account and actually handing over tens or hundreds of thousands of zlotys to fraudsters. Such large sums are often the victims’ life savings, and losing this money means not only substantial material losses but also social consequences—associated with losing trust in people and blaming themselves for being deceived.
Spokesperson:
Police officers remind people to be “alert” to situations of this kind. It is also worth making household members aware of the various methods used by fraudsters and explaining what to do to avoid becoming their victims. Be cautious when dealing with strangers who call our telephone number and ask about our personal or financial affairs. Police officers never make such calls or collect money in person! After a phone conversation that seems suspicious, we should inform the Police of it as soon as possible. We should also be cautious when dealing with people who visit our home or apartment. Only common sense and prudence can protect us from becoming victims of con artists. If people claiming to be plumbers or building administrators appear at our door, it is worth checking whether the visit was actually scheduled. Let us verify this by calling the building administrator or the company supposed to carry out the inspection or repair.
Let us also try to remember what these people looked like, what they were wearing and how they introduced themselves. Did they arrive by car or come on foot? This information will help identify and apprehend the fraudsters more quickly. It is also worth asking people close to us—neighbours or family—for help. Their presence will make us feel more confident and safer, and in the event of danger, we will not be alone.
And he adds:
However, not every case ends with the loss of money. Police officers in Lubusz Voivodeship stress the role of bank employees, who are often the only people with whom a crime victim speaks during the entire scheme. Employees of financial institutions may be the only ones able to stop the transfer of savings. The Police may be informed several hours or days after the incident, when it is no longer possible to stop the perpetrators quickly. They play an important role in prevention and in reminding people of appropriate, safe behaviour when dealing with strangers. It is worth talking to our grandmothers and grandfathers to warn them about the potential risk and danger of losing their life savings due to the complete lack of scruples among fraudsters and con artists.
Whenever there is even the slightest suspicion that people visiting our apartment or house, or calling our telephone number, are attempting fraud, let us try to notify the Police of the situation and our suspicions as quickly as possible. Thanks to a prompt response, police officers will be able to take action immediately.