Criminal investigators from the Municipal Police Headquarters in Jelenia Góra detained a 51-year-old woman from Legnica suspected of fraud. – The incidents took place last Tuesday evening, May 19, 2026, in Jelenia Góra. Police were notified of fraud committed against women aged 85 and 88 – explains sub-inspector Edyta Bagrowska, press officer of the Jelenia Góra Municipal Police Headquarters. – The findings indicate that the perpetrators followed a familiar scheme, exploiting the victims’ trust and emotions.

During the first phone call, the scammers told the senior women that a parcel had been sent to them and that they should expect it. After some time, another call followed—this time from someone claiming to be a police officer. The spokesperson said: – The fake “police officer” convinced the women that action was being taken against a criminal group planning to steal money from their homes or bank accounts. In order to supposedly secure their savings, he instructed them to hand over the cash to a “police deposit” or leave it in a designated place.

The 85-year-old victim, acting under the influence of manipulation, withdrew money from the bank and then handed the cash to a woman who collected it after the senior woman left the branch. The other victim, in turn, left the money in a cosmetic bag on the stairwell, following the instructions given by the scammers.

Criminal investigators took up the case. The result? A person suspected of involvement in the crime was identified and detained the following day at her place of residence. She was a 51-year-old woman from Legnica.

Officers from the Investigative Division of the Municipal Police Headquarters in Jelenia Góra charged the woman with fraud. The detainee was taken to a police detention facility.

The court ordered the temporary arrest of the 51-year-old. She faces up to eight years in prison.

Officers are currently clarifying all the circumstances of the case and checking whether the woman was involved in other crimes of this type.

How can you avoid being scammed?

The police:

We appeal to residents, especially older people and their families, to exercise caution when speaking by phone with strangers.

They add:

Reminder:

• The police never provide information by phone about ongoing operations and never demand that money be handed over.

• Officers do not collect cash from citizens in order to “resolve a matter.”

• If you receive a call asking you to hand over money urgently, end the conversation immediately and contact directly the family member whom the matter supposedly concerns.

• If in doubt, call the emergency number 112 or contact the nearest police unit.

“Police officer” fraud relies on triggering strong emotions. The perpetrators count on surprise and the victims’ inability to reliably and calmly verify the information. That is why it is so important to remain sensible and consult your family before making any financial decision.

The officers conclude: – We also appeal to the families of senior citizens to have preventive conversations with their oldest family members. Awareness of the threat may protect them from losing their life savings.