Elderly Man Loses 100k PLN to ‘Lawyer’ Phone Scam

27 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

An 85-year-old lost 100,000 PLN after scammers claimed his grandson caused a fatal accident, posing as a lawyer to extract cash and jewellery.

An 85-year-old man lost around 100,000 PLN after scammers convinced him that his grandson caused a fatal accident. Moreover, fraudsters posed as an attorney and pressured the senior to hand over cash and gold jewellery immediately.

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Scam claim: grandson caused a fatal accident

The scheme began with a phone call. Consequently, a man the pensioner did not know spoke in a calm, legal tone. He claimed to be an advocate. However, the caller said the grandson had been involved in a crash that killed three people. Therefore, the elderly man panicked. In addition, the caller insisted on quick payment to avoid legal consequences.

How the fraud unfolded

The pensioner followed instructions and gave large sums in cash. He gave 50,000 PLN, 5,000 US dollars, and 1,000 euros. Moreover, he surrendered valuable gold items. He handed over a chain, a bracelet, rings, and cufflinks. Consequently, the total loss reached about 100,000 PLN. Furthermore, police say most victims lose life savings. However, criminals often exploit fear and family loyalty.

Why this matters to expats in Poland

Scammers use emotional pressure across countries. Therefore, expats should learn local practices. For example, Polish officials never demand cash over the phone. Moreover, legitimate lawyers will not ask for immediate payments in cash or ask someone to deliver valuables. In addition, Polish emergency services use 112 for urgent help. Consequently, you should call 112 or your local police if someone pressures you.

Police advice and preventive steps

Police urge people to stop the call and verify the story. Moreover, call the family member directly before transferring money. Therefore, contact the alleged victim or their spouse. In addition, ask for identifying details and contact the purported lawyer through official channels. Furthermore, never hand over savings or bank cards to couriers. However, criminals sometimes pose as bank employees. Consequently, confirm any bank request by visiting a branch or calling the official phone number on the bank’s website.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland, scammers often use the “na adwokata” trick and pressure victims to act fast. Therefore, stop and verify if someone claims a relative caused a crash. PESEL (the national ID number) helps confirm identity, while ZUS (social insurance) and NFZ (public health insurer) handle benefits and medical records. Moreover, Polish institutions will not demand cash over the phone. Consequently, call 112 for emergencies, contact local police to report fraud, and notify your bank immediately. In addition, keep a list of trusted contacts and refuse door pickups for cash or valuables.

Local police stress that quick skepticism protects seniors. Moreover, community awareness reduces victims. Therefore, share warnings with older relatives and neighbours. In addition, banks and courthouses in Poland will confirm identity and legal status if you ask. However, do not give out personal details like bank PINs or full PESEL numbers by phone. Finally, report any fraud attempt to police even if the call seemed harmless.

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