Cryptocurrency investment scams have become one of the most significant forms of cybercrime in Poland and worldwide. Based on my extensive experience handling such cases, I present a comprehensive analysis of this phenomenon.
How do these scams work?
The typical scheme involves: advertising on social media or Google promising extraordinary returns from cryptocurrency investments; a phone call from a “financial advisor” who guides the victim through the initial “investment”; small initial “profits” shown on a fake trading platform to build trust; requests for larger investments; and ultimately the inability to withdraw funds.
Key warning signs:
- Guaranteed returns of 100%+ per month
- Pressure to invest immediately
- Requests to install remote access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer)
- Unregulated platforms with no verifiable history
- Payments to accounts in countries with weak AML controls
The state’s capitulation
One of the most frustrating aspects of this epidemic is the near-total inability of Polish state institutions to effectively combat it. Despite having legal tools available (AML reporting, international cooperation, bank transaction freezing), the practical response is painfully slow and often ineffective. Victims frequently report that police refuse to accept their complaints or treat them as civil matters rather than criminal investigations.
What victims can do:
- File a criminal complaint immediately
- Contact the bank to attempt transaction reversal
- Preserve all evidence
- Report to GIIF
- Consult a lawyer specializing in crypto fraud
Paweł Osiński
Attorney, expert in cryptocurrency fraud and cybercrime