Online Scams & Fraud in Poland
In the vast digital landscape of Poland, where technology connects millions of people, a growing shadow looms over unsuspecting individuals. Scams, with their deceitful allure, have surged to new heights, leaving a trail of victims in their wake. In the year 2022 alone, a staggering 26,535 cases of scams were reported, marking an astonishing 182% increase. Faced with this alarming trend, the Polish government has taken up arms in the battle against fraud, with ambitious plans to bolster their forces with 1,800 additional police officers by the year 2025.
Continue reading to learn about key scam trends in Poland, how to report fraud, and how to get help for scams in Poland.
Scam Statistics in Poland
The key statistics on online fraud in Poland, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance.
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Population | 38 million | 37.9 million | 38 million | 38 million |
| Internet Penetration | 78% | 86% | 78% | 87% |
| # of Scams | 6,484 | 7,622 | 26,535 | |
| Scams / 1,000 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.7 | |
| Money Lost | € 7 million | € 3.8 million | € 9.75 million | |
| Money Lost / Capita | € 0.18 | € 0.37 | € 0.25 | |
| Money Lost / Report | € 1,080 | € 1.080 | € 366.46 |
The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Where Can I Report a Scam in Poland?
- The Police- You can report any online scam to your nearest police station as the police are setting up a cybercrime team.
- Computer Incident Response Team (CERT.PL)- This is where users can report all cybercrime incidents. Reach them through email, incydent.cert.pl
- Dyzurnet.pl- You can report g illegal content especially related to the sexual abuse of children here.
How to Report a Scam in Poland
Reporting a scam is crucial. At the moment, only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0.05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.
- Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
- Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
- Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
- Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your mony”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.
Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.
Scam Victim Support in Poland
We are unaware of any scam victim support group in Poland.
How to Check for a Scam in Poland
Of course, you can always check for scams on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well.
- Polish Financial Supervision Authority (PFSA)- Since they control the markets, you can always check here for investment scams and other financial-related fraud.
- Opineo.pl- You can always check what others are saying about various products on this review website.
- The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK)- They offer most consumer-related advice including running a blacklist for any company or individuals engaged in unfair business practices and scams
Anti-Scam Organizations & Consumer Authorities
- NASK (Research and Academic Computer Network)- They are the registry of the .pl TLD and one of its key tasks is to ensure Poland’s internet security.
- The Polish Safer Internet Center (PCPSI)- As the name suggests, they are tasked with ensuring safer internet in Poland. They also have saferinternet.pl.
Scam News From Poland
- Poland, Lithuania and UK warn of data-collection scam against Ukrainian refugees
- ‘Terminal cancer patient in Poland’ dupes Hong Kong woman, 51, out of more than HK$9.6 million in online love scam
- Polish government sets out ideas to fight phone and internet fraud
Image source: unsplash.com
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