In recent times, a resident of Legnica County fell victim to an online scam. – The woman met a man online who claimed to be an American soldier serving on a mission in Somalia – reports junior inspector Przemysław Ratajczyk from the Press Section of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Wrocław. – For several weeks they corresponded with each other; the “American soldier” wrote in Polish, sent the future victim photographs of himself, talked about his family and future, and said that he wanted to move to Poland soon. He was also interested in the victim’s personal life.
The man won the woman’s trust. The spokesperson: – One day, he sent her a message saying that he was sending a parcel from Somalia to her home containing his personal belongings, documents and money. To make it seem credible, he sent a photograph of the parcel and informed her that there might be some small local fees that she would have to pay. The woman agreed and was supposed to store the parcel until his arrival in Poland.
Several days later, the resident of a neighboring county received an email from a courier company informing her that the parcel had been detained in Italy. For it to be delivered, the woman was supposed to pay an additional PLN 25,000. The police officer:
The alleged “American soldier” begged the woman for help. The resident of Legnica County agreed and transferred the money. Then she received another message saying that she had to pay an additional PLN 9,000. Concerned for her friend, she transferred the requested amount again.
That was not the end. Junior inspector P. Ratajczyk: – Several days later, she received another email, this time saying that the parcel had been detained in Germany and that she had to pay PLN 43,000 for the lack of a certificate. The woman called the National Revenue Administration to ask whether such an amount could be charged for a certificate, and only then did she learn that she had fallen victim to a scam.
Police:
We urge caution when making new acquaintances on social media or through other internet portals, especially if the person we meet asks us for money. Scammers constantly modify the way they operate. Therefore, only our caution, vigilance and distance toward the information provided will prevent us from becoming their next victim!