The story began with an ordinary online conversation. The man contacted the 71-year-old woman. He asked how she felt, where she came from and what she did. Over time, the messages became increasingly personal.

There were compliments, interest, concern and declarations of affection. The man convinced the woman that he cared about her and wanted to build a future together.

He presented himself as a Polish soldier stationed in Yemen. He assured her that he wanted to come to Poland to begin a life together with her.

In this way, an ordinary online acquaintance began to take on emotional significance for the 71-year-old.

First contact, then money

Once trust had been established, “financial problems” appeared. The man began asking for money.

At first, he asked for top-ups and the ability to maintain contact. Later, money was allegedly needed for the journey and flight to Poland.

The woman believed the story presented to her and transferred money. In total, she lost more than PLN 50,000.

Police officers emphasize that in romance scams, money often comes into the picture only after a relationship has been established. Before that, the perpetrator spends time gaining trust and creating the belief that there is someone close on the other side of the screen.

Romance scam. The pattern may look similar

The police warn that the mechanism behind this type of scam is relatively repetitive.

First, contact is made through a social media platform, messenger or app. Conversations may continue for weeks or even months. The scammer gets to know the victim, takes an interest in their life and gradually builds an emotional bond.

Only then do declarations of affection and plans for a shared future appear.

Only later does a problem arise that can allegedly be solved with money. It may concern an airline ticket, travel, medical treatment, work-related problems, a parcel or other unexpected expenses. In this case, the stated reasons were the costs of maintaining contact and coming to Poland.

The police have repeatedly warned about a similar scheme in which the perpetrator poses, among other things, as a member of the military staying abroad and then asks a person met online for financial help.

The “soldier” may not be who he claims to be

A photograph in uniform, an attractive profile, the story presented or a document sent in a message are not sufficient confirmation of the person’s identity.

Scammers may use other people’s photographs and fake profiles, while the invented story is primarily intended to inspire trust.

Therefore, particular caution is warranted when a person met exclusively online:

  • declares love or attachment very quickly;
  • promises a shared future despite never having met in person;
  • provides a story explaining why normal contact is not possible;
  • starts asking for money;
  • insists that the relationship be kept secret;
  • asks for bank details, photographs of documents or authorization codes.

Loved ones can help stop the scam

Police officers point out that people victimized by this type of crime should not be mocked or shamed. A romance scam is based on manipulating emotions and gradually building trust.

That is why a response from family and friends is important.

If someone close to you has begun an intense online relationship with someone they have never met, it is worth calmly asking whom they are talking to and whether the other person has ever been verified.

The appearance of requests for a bank transfer should be a particularly worrying sign.

Do not transfer money to someone you have met exclusively online

The police appeal for caution in relationships formed online. If an online acquaintance declares their feelings and then asks for money, it is worth stopping and discussing the situation with someone you trust.

Do not give strangers your banking details, authorization codes or photographs of documents.

If you suspect fraud, contact the police.