Online car parts scam — 21-year-old faces 8 years

7 October 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A car parts scam in Garwolin shows how fake classifieds can trap buyers. Learn what happened and how expats can avoid similar fraud.

A car parts scam disrupted in Garwolin highlights the risks of buying car components online. Police say a 21-year-old from Garwolin County posted fake listings and now faces up to 8 years in prison.

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What happened

Local police in Garwolin say officers stopped an online fraud scheme run by a 21-year-old man. He placed adverts for car parts on popular classifieds. The suspect used false personal details to register the accounts. Victims sent money and then lost contact with the seller. One local buyer paid for Volkswagen Passat fenders. Another buyer from the Greater Poland region paid for leather seats for an Audi. In both cases the parts never arrived. The Economic Crime Unit, Wydział do walki z Przestępczością Gospodarczą, led the probe. Investigators found the suspect did not possess any of the advertised parts.

Why the car parts scam matters

Classified ads remain a top channel for buying used parts in Poland. Many expats use these sites to source affordable items. Fraudsters exploit urgency and anonymity online. They ask for rapid transfers and then disappear. Polish police can investigate and press charges. The 21-year-old now faces criminal charges for fraud. The law allows prison sentences up to eight years for such offences.

How this affects buyers and what to do

Expats should assume extra risk when they cannot confirm a seller’s identity. Ask for verifiable contact details. Request photos that match the vehicle identification numbers. Prefer meeting in person and inspecting parts before payment. Use cash on collection when possible. If you must pay in advance, use a payment method that offers buyer protection. Keep all messages and payment receipts. Report fraudulent adverts to the platform. Then file a report with the local police station. The Economic Crime Unit handles organised and commercial fraud.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: As an expat you may rely on online classifieds for hard-to-find car parts. Always check seller identity and ask for a local phone number. Verify that bank transfer details match the seller’s name. Meet in a public place and inspect items before paying. Keep all messages and screenshots as evidence. If you suspect fraud, report it to the local police and to the classifieds site. In Poland the police will log the crime and the Economic Crime Unit may investigate further.

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