Carabinieri bust fake‑officer scams against Italy’s elderly

Italian Carabinieri have disrupted a series of telephone scams in which callers pretended to be police or finance officers to extract money and jewellery from senior citizens. In Foligno, a 26‑year‑old was arrested after an 82‑year‑old victim was tricked into handing over cash and gold, following a call that claimed her son was involved in a serious traffic accident. In Agrigento, a 54‑year‑old was detained and a minor placed under investigation after a woman was contacted by a person posing as a Guardia di Finanza officer, prompting her to gather cash and valuables. Further investigations in Chiaravalle led to the indictment of two men, aged 39 and 44, for defrauding an 85‑year‑old resident, while in San Michele di Ganzaria a 38‑year‑old was arrested for stealing €18,000 and jewellery from a 69‑year‑old after a similar ruse. In each case, swift reports to the emergency number 112 by neighbours enabled the Carabinieri, often supported by the Radiomobile unit, to intervene before the fraud could be completed. The force reiterated that "no officer ever asks for cash, jewellery or bank transfers" and urged the public to hang up and call 112 if approached with such demands. The coordinated actions have resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of cash and precious items, highlighting the ongoing threat of elder‑targeted fraud and the importance of citizen vigilance.