Postal workers saved a senior citizen from being scammed using the "policeman" method. Poczta Polska is warning against further such scams.
The company's employees in the Lubusz Voivodeship demonstrated vigilance and exceptional commitment in thwarting an attempt to extort a substantial sum of money using the "policeman" method. Poczta Polska (Polish Post) urges customers to exercise extreme caution and not share their personal bank account numbers with unknown individuals. This appeal is particularly directed at seniors, as they are the group most vulnerable to savings scams.
The practice of extorting savings from the elderly using so-called "grandson" or "policeman" scams remains a common occurrence, especially among digitally excluded seniors. Falling victim to these types of crimes can sometimes result in the loss of lifelong savings.
The scam usually unfolds in the same way. Scammers, posing as police officers or grandchildren, typically ask for cash to be collected from the victim's home or to make a bank transfer. They even suggest going to the post office or bank branch together to withdraw money from their account. Believing they are helping a loved one in need, the victim follows the scammer's instructions and ends up being robbed.
An elderly man came to the Kargowa Post Office wanting to open a current account at Bank Pocztowy, with internet access required. His behavior didn't raise any suspicions, so the account was opened. Late that same day, the client's wife called the assistant requesting urgent assistance. She suggested the account had likely been set up fraudulently. It turned out her husband had received a call from a fraudster posing as a police officer. The criminal indicated that the senior's bank savings were at risk, ordering him to immediately open a post office account – with internet access required. He also provided the senior with a specific phone number to authorize the service, preparing himself for access to the funds.
Late that evening, immediately after the senior's wife's call, the assistant contacted the head of the Kargowa Post Office to clarify the situation and provide assistance to the customer. As a result of the intervention and involvement of several postal employees, the threat was reported to the Postal Bank and the customer's phone number was updated, thereby blocking deposits and withdrawals to the criminal's account. Thanks to this intervention, the fraudulent extortion of a substantial sum was prevented. It's worth noting that the postal employees provided assistance to the senior after office hours, meaning during their private time.
Due to the widespread fraud committed against seniors, in 2019, Poczta Polska, in cooperation with the Lubusz Police, prepared a preventative ad that was broadcast nationwide. The aim of the ad was to reach as many seniors as possible with a warning.
Poczta Polska asks customers to be particularly careful and not to share personal bank account numbers with unknown persons.