Cross Border Cyber Fraud Operations Drive Surge in Bank and Investment Scams in Poland

Poland is experiencing a continued rise in financial fraud linked to organized cybercrime networks operating across borders, with fake banking and investment schemes accounting for a growing share of reported cases.

Coordination from Ukraine

According to Poland’s Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime, many of these operations are coordinated from outside the country, primarily from Ukraine. Fraudsters based in call centers in cities such as Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv contact Polish residents while posing as bank employees or investment consultants. Callers typically communicate in fluent Polish and use domestic phone numbers and email addresses designed to resemble those of legitimate financial institutions.

Organized Networks and Financial Impact

The fraud process usually begins with claims that a victim’s bank account has been compromised or that suspicious transactions have been detected. Victims are then instructed to urgently transfer funds to accounts described as secure or technical. These accounts are controlled by the criminal groups and are used to temporarily hold funds before further movement.

Organized Networks and Financial Impact

The Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime states that the final stage of the scheme often takes place inside Poland. Locally recruited intermediaries are responsible for withdrawing cash or moving funds onward, allowing the core organizers to remain outside Polish jurisdiction.

Official figures show more than 93,000 internet fraud cases were reported last year, up from 85,000 the year before. A significant proportion involved impersonation of banks or investment services. Individual losses frequently range from 20,000 to 100,000 złoty, while some cases have exceeded 700,000 złoty. One dismantled group is estimated to have obtained approximately 6 million złoty over a three year period.

The Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime reports that Ukrainian nationals accounted for more than 90 percent of identified members in several dismantled networks. Investigators describe these groups as highly structured, with separate teams handling recruitment, IT systems, accounting and the creation of shell companies. In multiple cases, arrests led to the seizure of large sums of cash and assets linked to senior figures in the fraud operations.

BrokersView Reminds You

Stay vigilant against calls or messages from individuals claiming to be bank staff or investment consultants and to avoid transferring funds under pressure.