Świdnik scam: Elder lost cash in police impersonation scam

9 March 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

An 85-year-old in Świdnik lost 20,000 zł in a police impersonation scam. Police arrested a 65-year-old in Kraków.

An 85-year-old man in Świdnik lost 20,000 zł and 1,000 euros in a police impersonation scam this February.

Consequently, officers tracked and arrested a 65-year-old suspect in Kraków who allegedly took the cash thrown from a balcony.

Table of Contents

How the police impersonation scam unfolded

According to local police, the caller pretended to be an officer. Moreover, the fraudster convinced the senior to hand over cash as part of an operation. The victim believed he helped the institution. However, the caller meant to steal the money.

Scammers often say they protect savings or need cash for a forensic test. Therefore, victims sometimes cooperate willingly. In addition, many elderly people trust uniformed authorities. Consequently, criminals exploit that trust.

Investigation and arrest

Police in Lublin region opened the inquiry quickly. Then officers followed clues that led to Kraków. Moreover, surveillance and witness statements helped build the case. Police arrested a 65-year-old man suspected of collecting the pile of notes. Court judges placed him in three months of temporary custody. Therefore, investigators can now question the suspect without immediate risk of flight.

The authorities stressed the importance of reporting such calls. In addition, families should check on elderly relatives often. Police advise never to hand cash to strangers. Moreover, real officers will not ask for money during phone calls.

Local context and why it matters

Świdnik lies near Lublin and serves a mix of locals and commuters. Many expats live nearby for work or aviation jobs. Moreover, older residents often live alone in small blocks. Therefore, con artists target them because they seem vulnerable.

Poland uses systems like PESEL (personal ID), ZUS (social security), and NFZ (national health fund). Scammers sometimes claim issues with those services. In addition, they may threaten a fine or a fake mandat to scare victims into payment. Consequently, foreigners should know these local references.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, hang up and call the local police station directly. Moreover, ask a Polish-speaking friend, lawyer, or your employer to help. In addition, do not give out PESEL numbers or bank details. Finally, keep emergency numbers in your phone and register vulnerable relatives with local community services.

Police urged vigilance, especially around banking changes and unexpected calls. Moreover, they encouraged community reporting of suspicious behaviour. Therefore, this arrest sends a warning to would-be scammers.

For expats, the case shows how quickly fraud can hit any household. In addition, it underlines the need to learn basic Polish terms tied to public services. Consequently, you can better judge the legitimacy of any unexpected request for money.

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