In addition to the widely reported scams in the media, such as the “grandchild” or “policeman” scam, another version has emerged. Now, criminals are impersonating law firms that specialize in servicing borrowers. During the conversation, they claim that the person’s savings are at risk, but by following their recommendations one can save their funds. They convince them that due to a delay in bank installment payments, they are about to be terminated by the bank and will have to pay the entire overdue amount immediately, which will increase the overall cost of the loan. The main targets of the scam are mainly Swiss franc borrowers, possibly because they are particularly sensitive to different types of unlawful actions and are more likely to believe that someone is after their money again.
Impersonating Law Firms
According to market experts, there have recently been increased attempts to trick borrowers by people impersonating law firms. They contact potential victims by phone or text. They persuade the interlocutors that their savings are at risk, but they can be prevented from being withdrawn by taking actions indicated by the caller. Szymon Goska, managing director of the SubiGo law firm, warns that Swiss franc borrowers are especially vulnerable to scams.
“The biggest danger is that scammers try to create a sense of urgency in the consumer. They act quickly and aggressively, trying to force the potential victim into impulsive actions,” says Szymon Goska. For professional legal entities, these practices, interpreted as attempts to manipulate or create a sense of danger to gain financial benefits, are not acceptable.
Exploiting Ignorance and Fear
Scammers phone the victims suggesting their loan has been blocked as a result of late installment payment. They claim the bank will punish the borrower and demand immediate loan repayment. However, they suggest a solution to avoid these inconveniences: the so-called law firm is ready to take action and block the termination of the contract for a small fee. Of course, the entire narrative about terminating the contract is made up.
Dr hab. Krzysztof Waliszewski, a professor at the University of Economics in Poznań, explains that banks in Poland do not block loans just because a borrower is late with one installment. Such actions would not only be legally questionable but also complex procedural. Adrian Goska, a legal advisor, adds that scammers are based on uncertainty and stress that borrowers may face, especially those who have obligations in Swiss francs.
The Human Element: The Weakest Link
Andrzej Gałecki, Associate Professor at WSB University Merito, notes that if the call from scammers actually relates to a bank loan, one can suspect that unauthorized access to documents, such as contracts between the bank and the consumer, occurred.
“Such activity is meant to generate the need for an extremely urgent response on the part of the potential victim. Under the pressure of time and possible negative consequences, the victim begins to cooperate with the fraudsters,” comments Professor Gałecki.
The expert from WSB Merito advises that one should pause and check whether the “help offering” law firm actually exists. In the case of a bank, it is best to clarify the issue by personal contact with its representative. If a consumer receives a suspicious call or text, they should discontinue the conversation or not respond to the message at first.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/oszusci-wzieli-na-celownik-kredytobiorcow-przestepcy-podszywaja-sie-pod-kancelarie-prawne-i-oferuja-pomoc-w-walce-z-bankami-80269
