Seller Scammed for 6,000 zł in Kraśnik County

10 March 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A 39-year-old lost 6,000 zł in an online selling scam. Learn how it happened and how expats can avoid similar fraud.

A 39-year-old woman from Kraśnik County lost 6,000 zł after falling victim to an online selling scam. Police reported that she provided login details and then shared an authorization code with someone posing as a bank employee.

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How the online selling scam worked

The seller listed an item on a classifieds site and agreed to sell it. The buyer contacted her and asked for details. Consequently, the fraudsters manipulated her into revealing account login data. Then they asked for a one-time SMS authorization code. However, the code gave them access. Therefore they drained the account and moved the money quickly.

What police and banks say

The local police in Kraśnik took the report and warned residents. Moreover, officers reminded people not to share codes. Banks also tell customers their staff will never ask for passwords or SMS codes. In addition, banks in Poland often use push notifications in apps. These notifications provide more secure confirmation than SMS. However, scammers still target SMS and BLIK codes. BLIK is a popular Polish mobile payment system that uses six-digit codes for transfers and ATM withdrawals.

Regional context and why it matters

Kraśnik County sits in Lublin Voivodeship in eastern Poland. It lies roughly 40 kilometres from Lublin city. Consequently, smaller towns often rely on online marketplaces for local trade. Therefore scammers target sellers who expect local, cash transactions. In addition, many expats sell belongings before moving. Thus they face similar risks when they use classifieds and social media to sell items.

Advice for expats and online sellers

Never share your bank login or SMS codes. Moreover, treat unexpected calls that claim to be from your bank as suspicious. In addition, check the caller ID and hang up if something feels off. Then call the bank via the official number from its website. Prefer in-person cash payment on handover when possible. However, if you accept electronic payment, use confirmed bank transfers to your account. Use the bank app for confirmations. Therefore avoid handing over BLIK codes to buyers. Also record and keep messages and screenshots of the conversation. Finally, report fraud to the police and notify your bank immediately so it can freeze accounts.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland banks, ZUS (social insurance), and NFZ (national health fund) will never ask for passwords or SMS codes. Keep your PESEL (national ID number) private. Always verify callers by calling the institution back on a number from its official site. For expats, use registered bank apps and local friends to check suspicious messages before responding.

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