Ryki man loses nearly 30,000 PLN in online scam

28 March 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A Ryki County seller fell for an online selling scam and lost nearly 30,000 PLN. Learn how they operate and how to protect yourself.

Ryki County resident lost nearly 30,000 PLN while trying to sell a bicycle online. The case highlights a common online selling scam that targets private sellers. Consequently, expats who sell items in Poland should read the details and follow the safety tips below.

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How the fraud unfolded

The seller posted a bicycle on a classifieds site. The next day a buyer contacted him via the site’s messenger. They agreed on terms quickly, and the buyer sent a link to a courier form. However, the form asked for personal details under the pretext of arranging payment collection. The seller filled it in, and then a caller claimed to be a bank employee. The caller told him to wait for a transfer. Afterwards the same caller urged him to log into online banking and “confirm” the payment. The seller followed the instructions. Consequently, scammers withdrew almost 30,000 PLN from his account.

Online selling scam: how they trick sellers

Scammers often impersonate buyers, bank staff, and couriers. Moreover, they use fake forms and fake websites to harvest data. They then call and apply time pressure. Therefore, they push sellers to make mistakes. In addition, they may request that you log into your bank. Banks never ask you to transfer money to “secure” it. However, many people still fall for this ruse under pressure.

Why this matters for expats in Poland

Poland uses specific institutions that foreigners might not know. For example, PESEL is a national ID number used widely. ZUS is the social security office and NFZ runs public health insurance. Consequently, scammers exploit unfamiliarity with Polish processes. Moreover, many expats use local bank apps in English. Therefore, they should treat any unsolicited request cautiously. If a caller claims to be from your bank, end the call. Then call the bank using numbers from the bank’s official website or your contract.

Practical safety steps you can take now

Do not click links from unknown buyers. Do not provide login credentials to anyone. Do not move money to a different account at a caller’s request. If you feel pressured, pause and verify. Contact your bank directly, and report the incident to the Policja. In Poland, “Policja” refers to the national police force. Moreover, keep records of messages and screenshots for the report. Use cash on collection or trusted escrow services when possible. In addition, verify courier companies independently on their official sites.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, remember that local banks will not ask for your online banking password or ask you to transfer funds to “secure” them. Store your PESEL and bank details safely. When selling items online, prefer cash-on-delivery in person, or use a well-known escrow service. If you receive suspicious links or calls, hang up and contact your bank using official contact details. Finally, report fraud to the Policja and your bank immediately to try to limit losses.

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