Police are once again appealing for caution during transactions carried out through sales portals. – A resident of Złotoryja County fell victim to fraud, as a result of which she lost nearly PLN 9,000. The perpetrator impersonated an employee of a popular classifieds portal and used the BLIK method – reports junior aspirant Kamil Szpatowski from the Złotoryja County Police Headquarters.

How do fraudsters operate?

The incident occurred after an item had been listed for sale online. A person claiming to be an employee of the sales portal contacted the victim. The fraudster informed her that there had been an “incorrect withdrawal of funds” or a payment problem and that, in order to receive a refund, it was necessary to generate BLIK codes.

Spokesperson: – The alleged consultant gave step-by-step instructions on how to generate successive codes. Convinced that she was genuinely in contact with a portal representative, the victim provided several BLIK codes. During this time, the perpetrators withdrew money from an ATM. The total loss amounted to nearly PLN 9,000.

Police warn – this is a typical method used by fraudsters. Criminals are increasingly impersonating employees of sales portals, courier companies or banks. They construct a credible story, create time pressure and convince victims that without providing a BLIK code, a “refund” or completion of the transaction will not be possible. In reality, every code provided enables immediate cash withdrawal from an ATM.

How can you avoid being scammed?

  • Never give BLIK codes to third parties – even if they claim to be employees of a portal, bank or customer service.
    Remember: you do not need a BLIK code to receive money – the code is used to make payments and withdraw funds, not for “refunds”.
  • Do not click suspicious links sent in emails, text messages or messaging apps.
  • Always verify who you are speaking to – sales portals do not call customers about “incorrect payments”.
  • Always exercise caution and limited trust – fraudsters act quickly and create pressure so that victims have no time to think.

What should you do if you suspect fraud?

  • The most important thing is to remain calm and composed, not send any BLIK codes to anyone, contact your bank and block access to your account.
  • Keep all correspondence, telephone numbers, links and screenshots.
  • Report the matter to the Police – a quick response increases the chances of identifying the perpetrators.

Officers:

We appeal for prudence and caution during online transactions, both when selling and when purchasing items from classifieds portals.

A moment of inattention can cost you your savings.

Warn your loved ones – especially older people – about fraud methods involving BLIK codes.