Two elderly women from Czeladź have fallen victim to a cunning phone scam, losing over PLN 130,000 (EUR 28,820) in total. The scammers convinced the women, aged 80 and 90, that their sons had been involved in accidents and urgently needed money for medical treatment.
The fraudsters executed the scam by first impersonating one of the women’s sons, claiming to be in critical condition and in need of expensive medication to survive. The phone was then handed over to an accomplice pretending to be a doctor, who corroborated the story, heightening the sense of urgency and fear. Finally, the money was handed over to a third person who posed as a notary.
The police have repeatedly warned the public about such scams, which often involve phone calls from individuals claiming to be a relative in distress. These scammers exploit the trust and concern of their victims, often posing as authoritative figures such as police officers, doctors, or notaries, to add legitimacy to their stories.
Authorities urge everyone, particularly those with elderly family members, to remain vigilant. Never handing over money to strangers or transferring funds to unknown accounts based on phone requests is crucial. Always verify the situation by contacting the relative directly or consulting the police. In case of suspicion, it’s imperative to notify the authorities immediately by calling the emergency number 112.