The apartment of a 93-year-old resident of Warsaw became the scene of yet another "doctor scam" crime. Convinced of the critical health condition of her daughter-in-law, the senior handed over 30,000 PLN to an unknown woman. According to information published on November 2, 2026, the perpetrators exploited the victim's emotional dependency, building tension and a sense of urgency during the phone conversations.
The incident began with a voice call in which a female voice used endearments and appealed for help for a person named Hania. Following this introduction, a man joined the conversation, identifying himself as a doctor working at the infectious disease hospital on Wola. He informed the victim about an alleged threat to her daughter-in-law's life and the need to purchase an expensive drug. Initially, the caller quoted a price of 200,000 PLN. Upon hearing that the senior did not have such a sum, the amount was reduced to 30,000 PLN. The doctor assured that a representative from a pharmaceutical company would come to collect the funds.
The scam process also involved the victim's neighbor, whom the alleged doctor persuaded of the credibility of the story. A woman posing as a company representative appeared at the victim's home. Acting under the influence of intense fear for a loved one, the 93-year-old handed her an envelope containing the money. It was only after the guest left that the senior realized she had been scammed. The total amount of the loss was 30,000 PLN.
Police Recommendations
Referring to this case, the Warsaw Metropolitan Police publish guidelines on how to protect oneself against such crimes. Officers emphasize the importance of maintaining composure and avoiding making decisions under time pressure or strong emotions. A key recommendation is to immediately verify information by making a return call to the loved one on a known phone number. The police warn never to hand over money to strangers, even if they claim to be acting on behalf of family or institutions. It is also recommended to discuss criminal methods with seniors and report any suspicious situations to the authorities.