– Despite numerous appeals, social campaigns and communications informing people about crimes committed against senior citizens, fraudsters do not stop their efforts to deprive as many people as possible of their money. Those affected are usually elderly people who live alone and are ill, are trusting and can be easily manipulated – says junior asp. Przemysław Ratajczyk from the Provincial Police Headquarters in Wrocław.

A 68-year-old woman from Legnica found out how criminals operate and how easily one can become their victim. She was convinced that the PLN 20,000 she had withdrawn from her bank account would be safely kept for her by police officers.

The whole story began in a way characteristic of this type of crime. A man posing as an officer called the woman and informed her that her funds were at risk because... bank employees were involved in counterfeiting money.

To confirm his version of events, the fraudster asked the senior citizen to dial the emergency number and connect with a police unit. The spokesperson:

The woman from Legnica followed this instruction without ending the previous call. This allowed the criminal, now posing as the duty officer at the Legnica police station, to confirm that an operation was under way, convincing the woman that she was helping genuine officers.

The 68-year-old immediately received another call. During it, a fraudster posing as a prosecutor offered to order her a taxi (sic!) so that she could reach the bank more quickly. The woman was also told how to withdraw the money and where to leave it.

Without hesitation, the senior citizen took a taxi to the bank and withdrew her savings, which she then left at the agreed location.

The victim’s daughter discovered that a crime had been committed after becoming worried that she could not reach her mother by phone. She therefore called her father, who told her about the entire situation. The daughter immediately went to the bank to prevent the transaction. Unfortunately, it was already too late.

Officers:

We appeal to everyone not to be taken in by stories told over the phone by strangers. Even the most credible stories should always be verified by ending the call and dialing the number of a family member or the nearest police station. Let us inform our parents and grandparents about potential threats. Let us teach senior citizens to exercise greater caution when making decisions about handing over money.

They add:

Let us remember that police officers never ask for money and do not inform people about planned operations.