What should you do if you fall victim to telecom or online fraud? The first step is, of course, to report it to the police and seek help. However, some victims, after being deceived, search online for “what to do if scammed” and end up finding traps set by criminals on the internet, falling into another pitfall and losing money again.
【Scam Breakdown】Typically, criminals impersonate “cyber police,” “lawyers,” or “hackers.” Victims who seek help from these individuals are essentially walking into a trap. Not only do they fail to recover their losses, but they also find themselves in an even more desperate situation. This type of scam exploits the victim’s real experience of being defrauded and their urgent desire to recover the lost funds to carry out phishing fraud. Since the victim actively searches for and contacts these individuals seeking help, scammers find it easier to gain their trust. At the same time, victims are often in a state of tension, panic, and self-blame. Coupled with the scammer’s promise to help recover the money, the victim’s vigilance and ability to recognize deception are diminished, making them more susceptible to being tricked again.
【Police Reminder】The correct way to try and recover losses after experiencing telecom or online fraud is: report it to the police promptly, cooperate actively with the authorities, and then wait patiently.
Do not trust online advertisements lightly; professional certificates can also be forged. Be wary of individuals claiming to be “lawyers,” “cyber police,” or “hackers” who say they can help recover money lost to telecom or online fraud, especially if they ask for upfront fees or commissions—these are all scammers.
police
“Police” is a town in northwestern Poland, historically known for its chemical industry established in the late 19th century. It is located near the site of the former Nazi German synthetic fuel and rubber plant, **Hydrierwerke Pölitz**, which used forced labor during World War II. Today, it serves as a residential and industrial center within the Szczecin metropolitan area.
cyber police
“Cyber police” refers to specialized law enforcement units dedicated to combating cybercrime, such as hacking, online fraud, and digital espionage. These units emerged globally in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as internet use expanded, with many countries establishing dedicated agencies like the FBI’s Cyber Division or Interpol’s Cybercrime Directorate. Their history is tied to the rapid evolution of digital technology, requiring continuous adaptation to address new and complex online threats.
lawyers
“Lawyers” as a cultural site typically refers to the historic Inns of Court in London, such as Lincoln’s Inn and Middle Temple. These institutions, dating from the 14th century, have served for centuries as the professional and educational centers for barristers in England and Wales. Their collegiate architecture and traditions continue to symbolize the history and development of the English common law system.
hackers
“Hackers” refers to a global digital subculture and community centered around computer programming, cybersecurity, and creative problem-solving. Historically, the term originated at MIT in the 1960s to describe enthusiasts who pushed the limits of software and hardware, but it has since evolved with complex connotations, ranging from innovative builders (“white hats”) to malicious actors (“black hats”). Today, it represents a significant force in technology development, security, and internet culture.
