– Last week, a woman reported to the Municipal Police Headquarters in Legnica that she had been defrauded of PLN 88,000 – reports Police Commissioner Jagoda Ekiert, press officer for the Legnica police.

While browsing the internet, the victim saw an advertisement encouraging people to purchase shares in a company building a gas pipeline. Interested, she completed a questionnaire in which she provided her telephone number. A few days later, a man called her and claimed to be a representative of the investor. The spokesperson said: – Unfortunately, the woman was tempted by promises of quick profits and gave the caller her personal details. In the next steps, the fraudster instructed the woman to install an application via a link sent through WhatsApp, which she did.

After some time, the woman from Legnica realized that money had disappeared from her account. The police are now investigating the matter.

Police:

There are many methods used in similar fraud schemes. In fact, each case may differ in the pretext used by the perpetrator when calling the victim, the methods of operation and the ways in which the money is transferred. Nevertheless, the common denominator of all such fraud schemes is ALWAYS:

  • contact between the perpetrator and the victim by telephone or email – there is never a face-to-face meeting;
  • putting pressure on the victim to act quickly, avoid contacting anyone, keep their actions secret and not end the telephone call.

In addition, victims are very often asked to:

  • install remote desktop software on their device (telephone or computer), such as AnyDesk;
  • add an unknown device as a “trusted” device in electronic banking;
  • provide BLIK codes;
  • access the bank’s website not by entering the address in a search engine or app, but through a received link redirecting the victim to fake bank websites or a gateway allowing them to select their bank or make an online payment.

How not to lose your money?

  • If someone claiming to be a bank representative calls and says that your money is at risk, hang up and contact the bank’s helpline yourself. Alternatively, go to the nearest bank branch.
  • Do not add unfamiliar devices as “trusted” devices in electronic banking.
  • Do not share BLIK codes with strangers. Even if an acquaintance asks for one, for example via WhatsApp, Messenger or SMS, always call that person or someone who can contact them directly and confirm the request.
  • Avoid installing remote desktop software when strangers encourage you to do so, especially when it is connected with undertaking any investment activity.
  • Do not give in to pressure from the caller or take rash action.
  • It is worth remembering that a bank itself can block hacker attacks and the theft of money from accounts, and is responsible for the funds deposited with it.
  • Never share your online banking login or password with anyone.
  • Do not respond to emails or messages from a bank asking you to provide a one-time password/code or payment card details, change your password or log in via links.
  • To invest safely on the stock market—which also involves investment risk that must be remembered—open an investment account with a brokerage house licensed by the KNF.
  • Police: – There are no “opportunities.”