Electricity refund scam warns Polish customers

27 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

CERT Polska warns of an electricity refund scam using fake PGE messages. Learn how to verify refunds and protect card data.

The Poland-based cybersecurity team CERT Polska warns residents about a new electricity refund scam that targets PGE customers and others. Consequently, recipients should avoid clicking links in unexpected messages that promise money back for power.

Table of Contents

Beware the electricity refund scam

Scammers send emails and SMS messages that claim you have an overpayment on your electricity bill. Moreover, they use the PGE logo and copy the supplier’s look. Therefore, a fake website may appear legitimate and lower your guard. However, the sender address and the linked domain often differ from the real supplier. Consequently, CERT Polska advises users to check both addresses carefully.

How the fraud works and what it exposes

The scheme starts simple and relies on human eagerness. First, you receive a notice about a refund. Then the message asks you to click a link to claim the money. In addition, the phony site requests login credentials and card data. Furthermore, attackers can capture these details and use them to drain accounts. Therefore, you should never provide card information on a site opened from an unsolicited link. Also, do not rush because the promise of money makes people act faster and less carefully.

Practical steps to verify and protect yourself

Always verify refund claims directly with your energy provider. For example, log into the official company portal yourself. Alternatively, call the provider’s official customer line listed on bills. Moreover, check the email header and the full domain name before typing any data. In addition, use two-factor authentication where possible. Furthermore, keep your banking app and system software updated. Finally, contact your bank immediately if you suspect theft.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland, bills and official communications often reference institutions like ZUS (social insurance), NFZ (public health insurer), or use a national ID called PESEL. Consequently, official providers rarely ask for card data by link. Therefore, expats should check contract portals or call the company number on paper bills. Moreover, keep copies of paper documents and receipts if you handle residency or tax matters.

Local context matters because Polish suppliers usually send billing information by post and by secure portals. However, many people receive digital bills. Therefore, scammers now mimic both channels. In addition, Poland lacks a single national consumer hotline for all utilities. Thus, using the contact details from your contract remains the safest option. Moreover, if fraud occurs, report it to CERT Polska and to your bank immediately. Finally, keep a record of suspicious messages for investigators.

Money-motivated phishing has evolved from threats to promises. Consequently, the offer of a refund can seem more trustworthy than threats of account suspension. Therefore, stay alert and verify every unexpected message about refunds.

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