A 57‑year‑old woman from Mławie County in Poland has been swindled out of more than 60,000 zlotys by a con artist posing as a sailor.
The Scam Begins: A Social Media Connection
In September, the woman received a friend request on a popular social‑networking site from an unknown man who introduced himself as a mechanic working aboard a ship. He quickly established daily contact through a widely used messenger, and a closer relationship developed.
The Sailor’s Tale: A Million‑Zloty Package
The man later claimed possession of a suitcase containing one million zlotys in cash and luxury goods. He said he needed to send the pack to the woman so she could hold it while he returned, but the package had been seized by customs, requiring payment of duties and transport fees.
Funding the Lies: Escalating Transfer Costs
Trusting the “sailor,” the woman made a series of transfers, even following forged receipts from a purported courier company. Fees multiplied, leading her to send over 60,000 zlotys, depleting her savings and forcing loans before she discovered she had been deceived.
Police Warns: How to Spot ‘Sailor’ Scams
Authorities explain that such frauds are common: criminals create fake profiles claiming to be sailors, doctors, engineers, or soldiers abroad, build emotional bonds, and then ask for money under pretenses of customs duties or transport costs. Police urge caution in online contacts and beware of sudden declarations of affection or requests for financial help.
