Investment scam cost her 150,000 zł — suspect arrested

26 February 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A woman lost 150,000 zł after believing she was investing in stocks, gold and silver; police arrested a suspect at a cash pickup. Here’s what expats need to know to avoid similar frauds in Poland.

A local investment scam left one woman out of 150,000 zł after she was persuaded to hand over savings for what she believed were purchases of stocks, gold and silver. The case — an example of an increasingly common confidence trick — ended when officers intercepted suspects at a cash pickup and a suspect was taken into pre-trial detention.

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What happened

According to media reports, the victim transferred large sums over time after being promised quick profits from diversified investments. When perpetrators demanded additional funds, arrangements were made for a cash handover. Police were waiting at the collection point and detained at least one suspect; the person is reported to have been placed in pre-trial detention (areszt).

How these schemes usually work

Fraudsters commonly use a mix of pressure, fabricated documentation and fake trading platforms or intermediaries to convince victims that their money is invested. They promise unusually high returns in short timeframes and may claim exposure to tangible assets like gold or silver to appear legitimate. When victims ask for withdrawals or are asked for more money to ‘release’ funds, the perpetrators escalate demands or disappear.

Why this matters for expats

Foreign residents may be targeted because scammers assume language barriers or unfamiliarity with local institutions will make victims less likely to check credentials. The 150,000 zł loss (roughly €33,000 / $36,000) is a substantial sum for many households. Beyond the immediate financial harm, victims can face long, bureaucratic processes to report crimes, reclaim funds and cooperate with prosecutors.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland, fraud cases are handled by the Policja (national police); for suspected financial fraud check with the Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego (KNF) — the financial supervisory authority — and verify companies in the Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy (KRS) (National Court Register). If you suspect a scam: contact emergency services (112) in urgent cases, file a report at your nearest police station (to get an official case number), immediately alert your bank to freeze accounts or reverse transfers where possible, and keep all paperwork and electronic communications. Prefer traceable payments over cash handovers and be wary of promises of guaranteed high returns. If you’re unsure about a firm or platform, ask for written contracts, verify licenses with KNF and consider consulting a local lawyer or your embassy before sending money.

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