Location: Major cities and tourist destinations throughout Poland
The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw advises U.S. citizens of an increasing number of reported incidents in tourist destinations throughout Poland in which U.S. citizens are falling victim to scams involving spiked drinks and credit card overcharges. Victims report being lured in with promised discounts or benefits and once inside, being financially exploited while under the influence of intoxicants. Inflated credit card charges may be difficult to challenge because bars and clubs can produce evidence of victims’ consent.
Actions to Take:
- Contact your credit card company before you travel to set up trip alerts and fraud protections, such as limits on charges that may be applied to your card from the same location on the same day.
- If you pay with a credit card, carefully inspect all charges before entering your PIN or signing a receipt.
- Always ask to see a price list before ordering.
- Never leave your drinks unattended.
- If you are being held against your will in one of these establishments, contact the Polish Police immediately by dialing 112.
- If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam and have been drugged, obtain a drug test at a hospital as soon as possible and contact the Polish Police. You should file a report with the Polish Police before departing Poland, as Polish law prohibits a police report from being filed from outside the country in most circumstances.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Warsaw
22 504 2784; 22 504 2000
ACSWarsaw@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Consulate Krakow
+48 12 424 5100
KrakowACS@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/krakow/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
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