The government program “Clean Air” was to be the flywheel of the ecological revolution in Polish houses, offering Poles the chance to have modern, energy-efficient buildings. Unfortunately, for many he became financial trap, in which clever cheaters extort tens and even hundreds of thousands of zlotys, utilizing dreams of lower accounts and green solutions. Crimes flourish and victims lose not only their savings but besides their debts to the state. The past of the 61-year-old inhabitants of the territory of Łębieński is simply a terrible informing – he lost over PLN 140,000, becoming a victim of a sophisticated scheme.
In 2025, erstwhile Clean Air continues to work intensively, the scale of the fraud problem is alarming. Police and state institutions are beating the alarm, seeing increasing number of notifications. The frauds, working undercover as “green advisors”, perfectly mastered the art of manipulation to bargain from ignorant citizens. How do they work and how can they not be victimized? That's a question that all homeowner should know the answer to.
Clean Air Trap: How do cheaters work?
The mechanics of action of criminals is elaborated and is based on trust and human desire to usage "free" money from the state. The cheaters present themselves as Professional intermediaries for Clean Air. They come to their homes with elegant business cards, colorful brochures and convincing presentations, offering “complementary services” – from assistance in obtaining grants to the implementation of the full turnkey investment. Aim? usage complex procedures and fears of bureaucracy to convince customers to entrust them with all the formalities.
The key component of fraud is extortion of power of attorney. Under the pretext of speeding up the process and relieving the customer, criminals urge them to sign papers that give them full control of the application for grants and the provision of funds. That's what happened with a 61-year-old kid from Strzelin. Representatives of the company from Łódź Voivodeship promised him a comprehensive energy modernization for over PLN 200 000of which 136 1000 zlotys It was expected to cover a government grant for heat pump, windows, doors, warming and photovoltaics.
After a affirmative examination of the application and grant, the cheaters demanded of the man own contribution of over PLN 9 thousand. They argued that this was a condition for the launch of the first tranche of the grant, exceeding PLN 60 thousand. The man paid the money, and the cheaters actually collected the funds from the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (WFOŚiGW). From that minute on, the contact broke, and the work never began. They get hurt with nothing, and worse, with a double financial blow.
Double blow: Losses and debt to the state
The drama of the deceived people is exacerbated by the fact that it is on them, alternatively than on dishonest performers, that the conditions of the grant agreement are not fulfilled. The Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (WFOŚiGW) grants backing straight to the property owner, who is the beneficiary of public funds. This means that if the investment is not realised, the owner of the home is obliged to reimburse all the funds collected – frequently with interest and contractual penalties.
The locality of the territory of rzybinski found himself in a situation where he lost his 9 1000 PLN the own contribution and in addition must return to you over PLN 60 thousand the first tranche of the grant. The cheaters are not going to quit the money, and their “company” has disappeared. specified double financial work makes eco-programme fraud peculiarly acute. The victims not only lose their private savings, but are burdened with debt, which can scope tens or even hundreds of thousands of zlotys.
Criminal methods are evolving. any impersonate building control officials, others offer "free energy audits", during which they collect individual and financial data to later usage them to bargain identities or unauthorized credit applications. The force of time (“last grant pool!”, “promotion only today!”) is another common method of manipulation, preventing a calm reflection of decisions.
Recognize threat: Red flags and company verification
How to avoid frauds? Caution and verification are crucial. The first informing signal "advisors" or aggressive direct marketing should be unannounced. Legal companies don't invade clients without an appointment. Another red flag is request any fees in advance – whether it is an own contribution, an administrative fee or a "council". Honest companies only collect remuneration after the investment has been successfully completed and the grant has been paid.
Be especially careful if the company insists on signing the contract or power of lawyer immediately, arguing ‘the urgency of the term’. Professional advisors always give time to think. besides suspected is the deficiency of circumstantial information about the company's headquarters, incomplete contact details (cell number only) and reluctance to supply references. Reliable companies have permanent offices, full registration documentation and are happy to present the portfolio.
Always accurately verify company data in the Central registry and Information on Business Activity (CEIDG) or the National Court registry (CRS). Check if the company is registered, what is the subject of its business and is not behind. delight check that it has all required permissions and certificates to execute the services offered. Look for feedback online – no signs of activity or only negative comments are a strong alarm signal. First of all, contact the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management directlyto confirm that the company is actually cooperating with Clean Air and has the position of authorised partner.
Were you a victim? Here's what you gotta do now!
If you fishy you're a victim of fraud, take action immediately! Time is crucial. The first step is immediate notification of the bank suspected unauthorized transactions and blocked access to accounts. Then, collect all documents related to the contract: copies of mandates, contracts, invoices, proof of payment and correspondence. They will be necessary.
Key importance is quick study to the police and the D.A.. The sooner the announcement is filed, the better the chances of recovering the lost funds and securing the assets of the criminals. Remember that you have the right to retreat from the contract concluded outside the premises of the company within the time limit 14 days from signing it – it is crucial if the contract was concluded in your home. You can besides usage free help.
Consult Provincial or Regional Consumer Ombudsman. They will supply free legal advice, assist in mediation, and may even represent you in court proceedings. study Irregularities to Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (OCT)who can launch proceedings against unfair companies. It is besides worth consulting a lawyer specialising in consumer law, who will measure the possibilities of redress. Don’t be alone with the problem – there are institutions available to aid you.
Clean Air is simply a large chance to improve the quality of life and the environment in Poland. Unfortunately, it is besides a field for ruthless frauds. Only your awareness of threats, caution and thorough verification of offers can defend you from financial and legal losses. Be vigilant – your money and the future of your home are worth it!
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Clean Air: Cheaters extort millions. You'll lose your grant and your money!
