Every day, Ukrainian refugees seeking to legalise their stay in Poland face new challenges. One of the most pressing risks is fraudulent schemes related to queues at the offices for foreigners, especially in Warsaw. Fraudsters block the queues and take up places, forcing Ukrainians to pay for the opportunity to undergo the necessary procedures. To avoid such problems, refugees need to be extremely careful and cautious.
The main fraud schemes in Polish Uzhonds
- Electronic blocking of queues with botsAt the Office for Foreigners in Warsaw, criminals use bots to block the electronic queue. They create automated programs that take up places in the queue for documents required to obtain legal status. For many Ukrainian refugees, these queues are the only way to resolve issues related to their stay in Poland.
- Extortion of money in regular queuesIn addition to electronic manipulations, fraudsters actively use ‘live’ queues. In some cases, individuals are sent to the Uzhąd to take up places and then sell them for a considerable amount of money. This is particularly noticeable in the Ująd on ul. Kruczej in Warsaw, where refugees are forced to pay from 250 to 1,500 PLN to go through the necessary procedures, depending on the speed and type of service.
- Aggressive methods of extortion on ul. It is not the first time that Ukrainian refugees have faced aggressive schemes organised near another UZD office in Warsaw – on ul. Taborowej. There, the fraudsters use more brutal methods, often intimidating and threatening those wishing to access services. The attackers, armed with stun guns, do not hesitate to use force, forcing foreigners to buy a place in the queue.
Reaction of state authorities
According to representatives of the press service of the Użędów on ul. Taborowej, the price for a place in the queue plus assistance in completing the entire procedure can reach as much as 13 thousand zlotys. And this is despite the fact that the procedures in the UZHEND are quite easy for foreigners, no intermediaries are often needed.
The police have already been informed about the fraudulent activity. The case is currently being considered by the Ursynów District Prosecutor’s Office, which deals with cases of so-called paid protection under Article 230 of the Polish Criminal Code.
How Ukrainian refugees can protect themselves from fraudsters
- Avoid intermediaries. Uzhond services usually do not require the involvement of third parties. It is recommended to avoid any intermediaries who offer ‘help’ in exchange for money.
- Seek advice only from official sources.If you need advice or assistance, you should contact volunteer organisations that provide free assistance to refugees.
- Do not give in to extortion in queues. If you encounter aggressive people who offer paid places in the queue, it is advisable to inform the police or contact UZHEND representatives for assistance.
- Be vigilant on the Internet. Not all electronic services are safe. It is important to check carefully whether the electronic recording system offered by a website or application is real.
The situation around fraudulent schemes in Polish Uzhonds requires serious intervention, as refugees are in a vulnerable position. Ukrainians should be cautious, aware of the risks they may face when trying to legalise their status in Poland. Any situations involving forced payment or aggressive actions should be reported immediately to law enforcement authorities to protect their rights and safety.
