Trailer purchase scam in Małogoszcz – 62-year-old loses 2,400 zloty
A 62-year-old resident of Małogoszcz municipality transferred 2,400 zloty for a car trailer from an online advertisement. After making the payment, the seller broke off contact.
Transferred 2,400 zloty for a trailer – seller disappeared after transaction
According to swietokrzyska.policja.gov.pl, a 62-year-old resident of Małogoszcz municipality reported to the local Police Commissariat that he had fallen victim to a scam whilst purchasing a car trailer via the internet.
At the end of May, the man came across an advertisement for the sale of a trailer on an online classifieds portal. He made contact with the seller, agreed on the conditions of purchase and transport, and subsequently transferred the full amount owed – 2,400 zloty – to the provided bank account number. After the payment had been processed, the seller stopped answering messages and calls, and the ordered goods never reached the buyer.
Police point out that fraudsters operating on auction and social media platforms regularly publish exceptionally attractive offers that stand out from others in terms of price. Those interested, convinced that they are contacting a genuine seller, make advance payments – and lose their money. The mechanism also works in reverse: fake buyers pressure sellers into paying a courier fee or clicking a link supposedly confirming the transaction.
Officers are appealing for caution when shopping online. They recommend using only verified services, verifying the seller's contact details, and avoiding advance payments, particularly on unfamiliar platforms. They also warn against offers with exceptionally low prices and against clicking links sent by unknown persons. Access passwords should not be shared with anyone under any circumstances.
Source: Google News PL — Crime (pl)