Elderly Man Loses 110k PLN in Online Investment Scam

28 March 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A 74-year-old in Lublin Voivodeship lost 110,000+ PLN to an online investment scam. Learn how investment scam Poland works and how expats can protect themselves.

A 74-year-old man from Łęczna County lost more than 110,000 PLN after responding to an online ad promising fast returns. The ad promoted a scheme using artificial intelligence and used familiar company logos, and it fits the pattern of an investment scam Poland.

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How the scam worked

The victim found an online advertisement offering AI-driven investments in a fuel company. Consequently, he registered on the provided website and gave his contact details. Moreover, a woman called him and explained the cooperation terms. She then asked for a registration payment to start investing. In addition, a man who claimed to be a broker phoned him and offered currency trades and high-yield deposits. The senior followed the instructions and made transfers to several accounts. Therefore, he lost more than 110,000 PLN in total.

Why this matters: investment scam Poland

Scammers now use official-looking logos and fake endorsements to gain trust. However, they often ask for initial transfers to activate accounts. Consequently, victims believe they invest and then cannot get money back. Moreover, fraud targeting older people often exploits loneliness and lack of digital verification skills. In addition, Poland has a large and aging rural population, and scammers have succeeded here before.

What authorities and banks say

Police and local services warn citizens to be cautious with unsolicited online ads. Moreover, they advise people to speak with family members before sending money. Therefore, relatives and friends can spot suspicious terms and logos. In addition, banks can sometimes block transfers or freeze accounts, so reporting quickly can help. Also, the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) monitors licensed firms and posts warnings online. KNF (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego) regulates financial firms in Poland.

How expats should react and protect themselves

First, verify any investment firm through official registers before sending money. For example, check the company in the Polish National Court Register (KRS). Also, search the KNF warnings list and contact your bank immediately if you notice suspicious transactions. Moreover, keep personal identifiers safe. For instance, do not share PESEL (national ID number) or bank login details. In addition, avoid following links from unsolicited ads. Therefore, call a known company number from its official website to confirm offers. Finally, report scams to the police and to your bank so they can act fast.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland as an expat, know that institutions like ZUS (social security) and NFZ (public health fund) use formal letters and portals. Scammers rarely use official channels. Therefore, verify messages that mention these bodies. Moreover, keep your PESEL (Polish ID number) and bank credentials private. Also, register fraud with local police and contact the bank. Finally, consult the KNF website for legitimate investment firms and ask a trusted Polish speaker to help with translations.

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