Holiday SMS scams: One text can empty your account

12 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Beware of holiday SMS scams in Poland this summer. One fake link can steal bank details, BLIK codes and personal data.

Holiday SMS scams target travellers in Poland this summer. One fake message can empty a bank account.

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Holiday SMS scams: how the trick works

Scammers send an SMS claiming a small extra charge for an apartment or car. Consequently, the message often feels urgent and plausible. The SMS contains a link to a fake payment page. However, the page can copy a bank, a payment operator, or a booking site. If you enter login details or card data, criminals can use them immediately. In addition, they often ask for mobile BLIK codes. BLIK is a Polish mobile payment code. Therefore, handing it over lets them withdraw cash or complete transfers.

Why this matters for expats and travellers

Many foreigners do not know Polish payment habits. For example, PESEL refers to your national ID number. ZUS means social insurance. NFZ denotes the national health fund. Also, a mandat means a fine. Consequently, you may not spot subtle cues in local messages. Moreover, scammers exploit the rush before travel. You book a place and then you expect messages. Therefore you may click without checking the sender. However, scammers also reuse stolen data to impersonate you later.

Signs of fraud and simple defenses

Watch for pressure and urgent deadlines. Also, beware of any request for a BLIK code or a password. Do not share codes via SMS, calls, or messengers. Instead, open the official app or website yourself. Moreover, check the booking service or the bank directly. Use saved numbers or contact the hotel reception to verify the message. If possible, use your mobile data rather than public Wi-Fi. Hotel Wi-Fi can expose your traffic. Consequently, attackers on the same network can intercept unencrypted data.

What to do if something goes wrong

Act fast when you suspect theft. Contact your bank immediately to block cards and accounts. In addition, change email and social passwords. Report the incident to the local police. You can call 112 for urgent help. Moreover, notify the booking platform. Therefore you increase your chance to recover funds or limit damage. Also, preserve screenshots and timestamps for evidence.

Scammers want more than money. They also seek identity data like PESEL, passport numbers, or document scans. Consequently, criminals can hijack social media accounts. They then message your friends asking for cash or codes. In addition, new AI tools let thieves clone voices. Therefore do not transfer funds based only on a familiar-sounding caller. Hang up and call back on a known number.

Before you take a rental car or enter an apartment, document its condition. Take photos and video when you arrive and when you leave. Moreover, record fuel levels and any existing damage. These records help counter false claims about breaks or missing items. Also, keep digital copies of important documents secure, and avoid sending scans unless absolutely required.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: As an expat, register important Polish services with care. For example, guard your PESEL (national ID number) and your mobile BLIK codes. If you receive a payment request, do not click links in SMS or email. Instead, open the official app or call the provider. Keep copies of rental agreements and photos of cars or apartments. Finally, report theft to your bank and the local police quickly.

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