A 49-year-old woman from Katowice was about to lose 87,000 zloty had a taxi driver not been vigilant. Fraudsters used a popular „legend” to swindle her savings, but the driver reacted and saved the money.
Taxi Driver Saves the 49-Year-Old’s Savings
A 49-year-old resident of Katowice ordered a taxi to transport a shopping bag of food to her son in Tychy. However, there was more inside than just food – a second bag contained as much as 87,000 zloty. It was a close call, as the taxi driver nearly became an unwitting courier for fraudsters who used a popular method of extorting money.
How Did the Fraud Attempt Unfold?
The woman was deceived by criminals who used a so-called „legend” – they gained her trust by posing as a close relative or an institution. In this case, the criminals most likely impersonated the woman’s son, asking her to hand over cash. The taxi driver noticed suspicious behavior and decided to check the contents of the parcel. During a phone conversation with the man who was to collect the bag, doubts arose – the driver notified the police.
The Driver’s Vigilance Saved the Savings
- The driver called the emergency number 112 and reported the situation.
- The officers instructed him how to act so as not to alarm the criminals.
- After arriving in Tychy, officers were already waiting on site.
- When two men approached the taxi, the officers immediately detained them.
- Thanks to the taxi driver’s quick reaction, the money was secured and the perpetrators were taken into police custody.
What Are the Consequences for the Perpetrators?
Both suspects – a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old – have been charged with robbery-related extortion. The court granted the motion for temporary detention, and they face up to 10 years in prison. The case is under prosecutorial investigation, which is why details about the „legend” have not yet been disclosed.
Other Cases of Taxi Drivers Saving Savings
In recent years, taxi drivers have several times thwarted fraud attempts:
- In Tychy, a driver saved 34,000 zloty for a 70-year-old woman when fraudsters posed as police officers.
- In Kraków, a taxi driver prevented an elderly woman from losing 17,000 zloty, which she was about to hand over to her „daughter”.
- In Kolbuszowa, a taxi driver notified the police about a suspicious order, saving the savings of two women.
