The incident occurred on January 21. “At around 10 a.m., two women knocked on the door of an 82-year-old woman living on one of the housing estates in Lubin. The strangers claimed to be MOPS employees and, under the pretext of conducting an examination and giving her a coronavirus-related massage, were allowed into the senior’s home,” reports junior inspector Wojciech Jabłoński of the Komenda Powiatowa Policji w Lubinie. “While one of the women was massaging the victim, the other ransacked the apartment and stole PLN 5,000 in cash that had been hidden there.

He adds:

At first, nothing aroused the older woman’s suspicions. It was only after the women left that the 82-year-old noticed that the place where she kept her savings was empty. The thieves took advantage of the woman’s trust without the slightest scruple—and did so on Grandmother’s Day.

On the same day, Lubin police officers also recorded a report of an attempted fraud. This time, the fraudster claimed to be a ZUS employee and tried to extort PLN 400, saying that if the senior citizen gave him that amount, she would receive a pension supplement. Fortunately, the fraudster fled when he saw another household member.

Police officers:

Perpetrators of crimes against older people operate in various ways and use many methods, most often exploiting seniors’ trust and “good nature.” Fraudsters very often knock on doors under various pretexts, for example asking for water or something to eat, offering to sell household goods, or pretending to be officials, such as a postman, a ZUS employee, a PCK volunteer, a plumber, an electrician, or a representative of a foundation or association.

What rules should be followed to avoid falling victim to fraudsters?

  • Before opening the door, look through the peephole or the window to see who it is.
  • If we do not know the visitor, ask the purpose of their visit. Fasten the security chain (if we decide to open the door) and ask to see an identity card, official ID, or identification badge. An honest person will not be offended by such a precautionary measure. (If in doubt, arrange another appointment and first verify with the housing estate administration or another appropriate institution whether the person knocking at the door is genuine—if that person claims to represent the administration or another appropriate institution).
  • If the person becomes persistent, immediately call the police or alert those nearby. When calling the emergency number 112, provide as many remembered details as possible, such as the stranger’s appearance and the number and make of the car in which they may have arrived.