75-year-old duped by fake broker loses PLN 140k

24 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A 75-year-old woman in Lublin lost PLN 140,000 to a fake broker scam promising quick gains.

The 75-year-old woman from Lublin fell victim to a fake broker scam after responding to an online offer. Consequently she transferred money to accounts controlled by fraudsters and lost a total of PLN 140,000.

Table of Contents

What happened in Lublin

The woman first found an investment offer on the internet and contacted someone posing as a broker. Moreover she agreed to transfer a small initial sum to a designated account. The platform then showed a growing balance on a dashboard that the fraudsters provided. In addition the apparent profit convinced her to send more money over several weeks. Therefore she made seven transfers in total. However after the last payment she realised the investment did not exist. The perpetrator had withdrawn all funds and the account showed zero.

Why the fake broker scam works

Scammers rely on a gradual trust-building process. They show early, small gains to lower a victim’s guard. Moreover they encourage repeat payments by promising larger returns. In addition some schemes resemble pyramid models and demand new participants. Consequently a person can feel pressured to keep investing. Therefore these operations can wipe out a lifetime of savings in a short time.

Police advice and how to act fast

The local police urge caution with internet offers promising quick, above-average profits. Moreover they warn against installing apps from unknown sources or clicking links sent by strangers. In addition they advise never to share identity photos, bank login details, or SMS authorization codes. Consequently victims should contact their bank immediately if they suspect fraud. Furthermore they should report the case to the nearest police station. Therefore swift action can sometimes block transfers and limit losses.

Practical steps and legal notes

If you provided personal data consider blocking your PESEL number (national ID number). PESEL refers to the Polish personal identification number used in many services. Moreover you may need to exchange your ID document in serious cases. In addition check the company in the Polish Financial Supervision Authority register (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego). The KNF list shows authorised firms. Therefore verifying a firm can prevent costly mistakes. Also keep in mind that ZUS is the social insurance institution, and NFZ runs public healthcare. These agencies do not solicit private investments.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: As an expat, register your Polish bank contact methods and enable transaction alerts. In addition avoid sharing your PESEL (Polish national ID number) and identity photos. If scammers request authentication codes, treat that request as fraudulent. Also remember you can check a firm’s status on the KNF (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego) website. Finally contact your bank and the police immediately to try to block transactions.

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