She lived to be 99 years old, and in the last hours of her life she fell victim to thieves who stole a quarter of a million zlotys from her. Over the last three years, the police have revealed almost ten thousand crimes of extorting money and valuables using the so-called grandson or policeman method. Criminals stole over a quarter of a billion zlotys.
When a 99-year-old resident of Częstochowa answered the phone, the fraudster pretended to be a policeman and offered to pay bail for his niece, who allegedly caused a road accident.
– The fraudster took advantage of her emotions and gullibility, which caused her to lose PLN 250,000, giving the same amount to the person who came at night to get the money – informs the subordinate. Barbara Poznańska from the Municipal Police Headquarters in Częstochowa.
In the morning, the woman realized it was a fraud and notified the police. She died the same day. The perpetrator or perpetrators are still at large, but if they are caught by the police, they may go to prison not only for extorting money from a senior citizen.
– The Częstochowa-Północ District Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into the unintentional manslaughter of a 99-year-old woman, which occurred on November 6 – says Tomasz Ozimek from the District Prosecutor's Office in Częstochowa.
Over the last three years, the police have revealed almost ten thousand crimes of extorting money and valuables using the so-called grandson or policeman method. Criminals stole over a quarter of a billion zlotys.
– The actions of criminals have not changed for years. Most often, fraudsters choose their victims based on old telephone books – says the subcommand. Sabina Chyra-Giereś from the Provincial Police Headquarters in Katowice.
Małopolska police officers dismantled a criminal group that extorted over PLN 7 million from elderly people.
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“They are trying to create a sense of panic.”
– It is a game on human emotions. They try to arouse in us a sense of panic and horror – says the operational policeman.
Thirteen people have been arrested in this case since March. These include a coordinator responsible for recruiting and supervising fraudsters.
– The rest of these people were involved in collecting valuables and cash from injured people, most often they were elderly people. It is possible that there will be more arrests, says Junior Asp. Anna Zbroja-Zagórska from the Provincial Police Headquarters in Krakow.
– We try to catch such a person on the so-called collection to secure property, in this case usually money or valuables – says the operational policeman.
The criminals operated not only in Poland, but also in Germany. They have at least thirty frauds on their account.
– All these people were charged with participation in an organized criminal group and, of course, with fraud. (…) For the crimes committed, they face up to eight years in prison – says Anna Zbroja-Zagórska.
“False identity – real risk” campaign
Social campaigns, such as the one conducted by the Silesian police, are intended to arouse vigilance among seniors, because they are most often the victims of these crimes, usually losing their entire life savings.
– There are many methods, but the goal of fraudsters is one. You are never sure who you are talking to, let's be vigilant – emphasizes Michał Czarnecki, an actor who took part in the social campaign of the Silesian police.
As part of the “False Identity – Real Risk” campaign, workshops and meetings are also organized to warn seniors about the threat.
– They very often organize preventive and educational campaigns. They reach the group most exposed to fraud, i.e. seniors, older people who live alone and have no one to warn them – says Sabina Chyra-Giereś. According to psychologists, the role of family, friends and neighbors is also important in this education.
– If we are in constant contact with our elderly loved ones, it also creates greater opportunities to talk about issues that may pose a threat to them – points out Bartosz Neska, psychologist.
Scammers don't waste time. Fortunately, not everyone is fooled. – My neighbors had such a call twice, but they came to their senses in time and luckily – says Mrs. Bożena, a resident of Szczecin.
– He said “mom”, and no one in my family says “mom”, so I was immediately curious, continued the conversation, and at the end I sent him a bouquet – says Mrs. Zofia, a resident of Szczecin.
– If we have any doubts about who we are talking to, it is best to hang up, do not engage in any conversation, and if we do, let us notify the police immediately – advises Barbara Poznańska.