Postal workers from Bydgoszcz prevented a marriage fraud worth a record amount of almost PLN 58,000
Victims of fraud often exhibit subtle behavior, which alert Poczta Polska employees can quickly recognize. Their daily, unique contact with customers allows them to better identify potential threats. This is confirmed by a recent incident in Bydgoszcz. Joanna successfully prevented a marriage fraud worth nearly 58,000 PLN.
During a routine transaction, Joanna from the Bydgoszcz 44 Post Office noticed disturbing behavior in a customer who wanted to send a foreign transfer to an account in Italy. This struck Poczta Polska employees as suspicious, given the customer's previous transactions.
– Previously, the client sent a foreign transfer to a different recipient and a different account number, although the reason for the transfer was always the same – says Ms. Joanna.
The total amount of money transferred to an account in Italy by the client, but withheld by Poczta Polska, amounted to a staggering PLN 57,632.55. The client was immediately informed of the threat. Joanna notified the head of the post office of her suspicions, who independently determined that the client was not married. It also turned out that the woman did not know the recipient and had been defrauded. She had also never met the person she was supposed to send the money to in person. They communicated only online.
Poczta Polska is committed to education and fraud prevention
The company regularly reminds and warns customers about the increasingly sophisticated and popular methods of fraudsters, and instructs employees on how to recognize such situations and respond appropriately. Poczta Polska reminds them of the principle of "limited trust" in strangers, common sense, and distrust of suspicious or unusual behavior – especially when money is involved. The company advises that if you have any suspicions, you should immediately notify the police by calling 997 or 112. Simple caution can protect anyone from losing years of accumulated savings.
Poczta Polska has long promoted initiatives to protect the health and property of its customers. The company supports the nationwide "#ZnamTeNumery" campaign, which aims to protect seniors from fraud. Through the campaign, the company educates older people and their loved ones and emphasizes the importance of senior safety in society. The campaign also includes practical tips on how to protect yourself from fraud.
In 2022, over 3,500 people over 65 fell victim to fraudsters, losing over PLN 141 million.