She Thought Someone Had Hacked Her Account. She Lost 3,000 Zlotys

The police were contacted by a 41-year-old resident of Lwówek County who fell victim to fraud. The woman answered a call from someone claiming to be a bank employee.

The caller convinced her that an attempt had been made to break into her bank account and that the money held there was at risk. In this way, the fraudster caused the 41-year-old woman to become alarmed and prompted her to act quickly.

She Believed She Was Protecting Her Money

The fake bank employee told the woman that, in order to secure the funds, she had to carry out the actions he instructed her to perform. During the call, the 41-year-old gave him her banking codes.

As it turned out, instead of protecting her savings, she enabled the fraudster to carry out transactions as a result of which she lost 3,000 zlotys.

Police officers point out that this type of fraud is based primarily on creating fear and time pressure. Information about an alleged account takeover is intended to make the person on the call act automatically, without thinking or checking who is actually on the other end of the phone.

The Bank Will Not Ask for Codes or Passwords

Police remind people to exercise particular caution during telephone conversations concerning money. A genuine bank employee should not ask for BLIK codes, online banking passwords or other information that could enable access to money.

If a call or the way the conversation is conducted raises any suspicions, it is best to hang up immediately. You should then contact the bank yourself, using its official telephone number – not the number provided by the caller.

It is also worth remembering that the telephone number displayed during a call does not necessarily provide sufficient confirmation of the caller’s identity.

A Moment of Caution Can Prevent a Loss

“Bank employee” scams still use the same pattern: information about a threat, time pressure and instructions concerning the protection of money. In such a situation, the most important thing is not to act under the influence of emotions.

You should not provide authorization codes, passwords or information enabling access to an account over the phone. If someone informs you of an alleged account takeover, the safest course is to end the call and verify the matter yourself with the bank.