A 49-year-old woman from Katowice was about to lose 87 thousand zlotys if not for the vigilance of the taxi driver. Criminals used a popular "legenda" to extort savings, but the driver reacted and saved money.
Taxi driver saved a 49-year-old's savings
A 49-year-old resident of Katowice ordered a taxi to transport a food commercial to her son in Tychy. But there was more inside than just food – the second commercial contained as much as 87 thousand zlotys. Almost, and a taxi driver would unconsciously become a courier for frauds who used a popular method of extortion money.
What was the attempt at deception?
The woman was deceived by criminals who used the so-called. ‘legend’ -has created trust, claiming to be a close person or institution. In this case, criminals most likely impersonated a woman's son by asking for cash transfers. The taxi driver noticed suspicious behaviour and decided to check the contents of the shipment. During a phone conversation with a man who was supposed to pick up a commercial, doubts arose – the driver notified the police.
The driver's vigilance saved his savings.
- The driver called 112 and reported the situation.
- Cops instructed him to behave so as not to scare off criminals.
- After arriving in Tychy, officers were waiting.
- When two men approached the taxi, the police immediately stopped them.
- Thanks to the rapid response of the taxi driver, the money was secured and the perpetrators were put in police custody.
What are the consequences for the perpetrators?
Both suspects – 19- and 17-year-olds – heard charges of extortion. The court has applied for temporary detention, and they are facing up to 10 years in prison. The case is covered by a prosecutor's investigation, which is why details on the "legends" are not yet disclosed.
Other savings by taxi drivers
In recent years, taxi drivers have thwarted fraud attempts:
- In Tychy, the driver saved a 70-year-old 34 thousand zlotys as they impersonated police officers.
- In Krakow, the taxi driver prevented the loss of 17 thousand zlotys to an elderly lady, who was to give money to "daughter".
- In Kolbuszowa, a taxi driver alerted the police of a suspicious commission, saving the savings of two women.
