Officers:
Despite numerous appeals and announcements informing the public about crimes committed against seniors, fraudsters do not stop their efforts to gain benefits and enrich themselves dishonestly. Their victims are usually people who live alone and are ill, are very gullible and can easily be manipulated.
An 80-year-old woman from Legnica found out how criminals operate. She was convinced that by handing over PLN 30,000, she would save her child’s life. “A man claiming to be a police officer informed the woman by phone that her daughter was in hospital in a life-threatening condition because she had contracted coronavirus. Under the pretext of purchasing a very expensive drug, the man stated that a notary would collect the money on his behalf,” reports asp. Anna Grześków of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Legnica.
The worried senior handed over the cash without hesitation, without checking whether any family member actually needed help. Even more frighteningly, the defrauded woman’s daughter visited her that same day to wish her a happy Mother’s Day. Because of her health, the victim simply… forgot about it. The 80-year-old’s grandson notified the officers that a fraud had taken place.
Officers appeal:
Let us not be fooled by stories told over the phone. Even the most credible ones should be checked every time. Let us inform our parents and grandparents about potential threats. Remember that police officers never ask for money and do not provide information about planned operations. Let us teach seniors to be more cautious when making decisions about handing over funds.