Banking Sector Hit with Record Fraud Cases in Poland, Amounting to PLN 32 Million

The Polish banking sector has been hit with a record number of fraudulent transactions last year, amounting to a staggering PLN 32 million. According to data released by the National Bank of Poland (NBP), the number of illegal transfers reached an all-time high in the third quarter of 2021.

Record Number of Fraudulent Transactions

A total of 7,709 fraudulent transfers were recorded between July and September last year, marking an almost twofold increase from the same period in the previous year. The total value of these transactions stood at PLN 31.95 million, the highest figure ever reported by the NBP.

Key Statistics

• Average value of a single fraudulent transfer: PLN 4,144 (a 35% decrease compared to the previous year)
• Number of cases: 80% increase compared to the same period in 2020
• Share of fraudulent transfers in non-cash transactions: 0.00103% of all transfers and 0.00016% of their value

Payment Card Operations

The share of fraudulent transfers in payment card operations has increased to 11.4%, up from 8.1% in the previous quarter and 5.8% a year earlier. The stolen funds typically account for around 60% of the total amount moved out each quarter.

How Fraudulent Transactions are Carried Out

The majority of fraudulent transactions were carried out through: * Internet banking: 58% of cases involved access gained via an infected device or trickery to obtain login details from customers * Mobile applications: accounting for a significant portion of frauds, with its share increasing at the expense of online banking

Call to Action

The NBP data highlights the need for heightened awareness and vigilance among Polish consumers to protect themselves against these types of scams. Victims of internet fraud are advised to seek legal assistance from experienced criminal lawyers in Poland.