Scammers are making their mark on Polwiejska Street in Poznań, and they’re preying on your curiosity. Its a recurring scam involving so-called “mystery boxes” that’s duping unsuspecting shoppers out of their hard-earned money. It called the Mystery Box Scam.

How the Scam Works

The setup is simple but effective. A scammer sets up a small stall or table on Polwiejska Street, displaying a variety of sealed boxes. These boxes, often attractively decorated, are marketed as containing “mystery items.” The scammer promises that each box could hold something valuable—maybe an expensive gadget, luxury item, or even cash. They even have an Amazon sticker displayed to add some credibility.

Here’s the catch

But here’s the catch: the contents of these boxes are never revealed until after you’ve paid. Buyers are lured in by the excitement and the possibility of hitting the jackpot. Prices vary, with some boxes going for 50 PLN, while others can cost 100PLN!

Once you’ve paid and opened the box, the reality hits hard. Instead of the promised treasure, you’re left with a cheap, low-quality item—something that likely cost the scammer only a few złotys to obtain. These items are often mass-produced trinkets or low-value goods sourced from abroad, worth a fraction of what you paid.

Don’t Be Fooled

If you come across one of these “mystery box” stalls, walk away. No matter how tempting it might be to take a chance, remember that these scams are designed to separate you from your money with little to nothing in return. The thrill of the unknown isn’t worth the disappointment and financial loss.

So, next time you’re strolling down Polwiejska Street, keep your money in your pocket, and don’t let these mystery box scammers turn your curiosity into their profit.