Beware of fraudsters posing as housing cooperative employees. – Under the pretext of inspecting installations, checking intercoms or signing a contract, perpetrators enter flats and, taking advantage of residents’ inattention, steal money and valuables – warns Junior Superintendent Sylwia Serafin. – Thieves usually operate in pairs—one distracts the victim (for example, asking them to check the radiator in another room or the water in the bathroom), while the other searches the flat.

Fraudsters remain active

Last week, two men posing as housing cooperative employees knocked on the door of a 90-year-old resident of Lubin. The spokesperson said: – The fake employees entered under the pretext of checking whether the water was suitable for use. One of them asked the senior to turn on the water herself in the bathroom. The perpetrator stood in the doorway in such a way that he blocked the victim’s view of the hallway.

Meanwhile, the other man searched the rooms and stole the 90-year-old woman’s savings—PLN 24,000—from one of them. The policewoman said:

Once the criminals had achieved their goal, they quickly left the elderly woman’s flat without saying a word.

How do the criminals operate, and what should you watch out for?

Fraudsters are often neatly dressed and carry forged identification cards. They may also announce the supposed visit in advance, for example by ringing the intercom. The officers said: – They create time pressure, telling residents that they must immediately check something in the flat, such as the water, radiator or installation.

How can you avoid being scammed?

  • Always ask to see an identification card and verify the employee’s identity by telephone with the cooperative before opening the door.
  • Do not let strangers into your home, especially if the visit was not previously announced in a notice in the stairwell.
  • Do not show anyone where you keep money, and do not leave visitors alone in a room.
  • If you have any suspicions, call the emergency number 112.
  • Housing cooperatives usually inform residents about planned work in advance. Any unexpected visit should raise suspicion.

Police summary:

We appeal to the children, grandchildren and friends of senior citizens to warn them about situations like these. Conversations about safety are very important and can protect older people living alone from losing their savings.