Scammers constantly change their methods, but their schemes are often similar. They create anxiety, impersonate representatives of institutions and persuade people that they must act immediately to avoid an alleged threat.
One Wrocław resident handed PLN 100,000 to strangers. The perpetrators claimed to be a postal worker and a police officer, convincing the woman that her savings were at risk. That same day, another 82-year-old woman from Wrocław lost gold and silver jewellery worth at least PLN 17,000.
A resident of Jawor County also fell victim to a similar crime. A man who claimed over the phone to be a police officer convinced her that a family member had caused an accident. Under the influence of strong emotions, the woman handed him PLN 137,000.
Police remind the public that officers and prosecutors do not demand that money be handed over to strangers for safekeeping.
How can you avoid being scammed? Above all, remain calm and do not make financial decisions under pressure. If you receive a suspicious call, it is worth hanging up and contacting the relevant institution yourself, using its official number.
Never hand cash to strangers, provide passwords or authorisation codes, or install applications at the request of an unverified caller. Attempts to persuade you to keep the conversation secret from your family should also raise suspicion.
If you have been defrauded, contact your bank and notify the Police as soon as possible. It is also worth keeping messages, call histories and transaction confirmations.
The Police appeal for caution and remind the public: haste and fear are tools that scammers use to deprive people of their life savings.