In Poland, scammers demand money for relatives' treatment, impersonating medical staff

Polish law enforcement agencies are warning citizens about phone fraud aimed at extracting money. Criminals use emotional pressure, citing an alleged urgent need for relatives to undergo expensive medical treatment.

Criminals' modus operandi

The scheme is based on simulating a situation where a victim's close relative has been hospitalised, fallen ill with a serious disease, or requires immediate intervention. Scammers call victims, posing as medical staff or individuals allegedly assisting the patients. The main goal of such calls is to induce panic and fear for the lives of relatives in the recipient, causing them to act impulsively without having time to verify the information.

During the conversation, criminals insist on an unconditional and urgent transfer of funds. They may demand that money be sent to a specific bank account or that cash be handed over via an intermediary.

Police recommendations

Official bodies advise following a strict algorithm of actions upon receiving such a call. The most important thing is not to transfer any funds and not to disclose personal data. To verify the information, it is necessary to independently call the relative or contact the medical facility using its official phone number to clarify the patient's condition.

If there is a suspicion of fraud, one should report it to the police by dialling 112.