Police in Ostrołęka detained a 38-year-old man moments after he collected nearly 40,000 złoty from elderly victims.
Rapid Police Action
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, a resident of Ostrołęka reported attempted fraud using the “grandchild” scam to the local police. The scammer impersonated a relative, claiming to have caused an accident and urgently needing money for bail. Officers quickly apprehended a 38-year-old man in a nearby municipality who had just received nearly 40,000 złoty from an elderly couple. The entire sum was recovered, and the suspect was disarmed and placed in police custody. The case remains under investigation.
Prosecutor’s Warning and Legal Action
Elżbieta Edyta Łukasiewicz, spokesperson for the Ostrołęka District Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed the details and urged caution. “The 39,200 złoty was handed over to the suspect, who was arrested within minutes. Police recovered the full amount,” she stated. She added that the evidence gathered led to fraud charges, and the court ordered a three-month pretrial detention for the suspect.
Safety Guidelines
The prosecutor’s office emphasized safety measures, warning citizens to be wary of phone calls from individuals claiming to be relatives or officials requesting money. “No genuine police officer or public servant has the right to demand money from you,” Łukasiewicz stressed. She urged family members of seniors to educate them about such scams and report suspicious activity.
Police reminded the public that scammers often impersonate family members or public institutions. Before transferring any funds, individuals should verify the caller’s identity using known, trusted contact numbers. Authorities also encouraged younger residents to regularly inform elderly relatives about how to respond to urgent cash requests and to monitor vulnerable individuals in their communities.
