Como police recover 30,000 euros stolen from foundation via spoofing scam

Police in Como, Italy, have successfully recovered and returned 30,000 euros to a local foundation that provides subsidized housing for the needy following a sophisticated cyberattack.

The fraud was executed using “spoofing” and social engineering techniques. An employee of the foundation was contacted by an individual posing as a bank operator. The scammers manipulated the victim's phone display to show the bank's actual number, creating the illusion of a legitimate security call. They convinced the employee that fraudulent activity was occurring on the foundation's account and instructed her to perform an instant transfer to prevent further loss.

Following the instructions, the victim authorized a 30,000 euro transfer to a Poste Italiane account, utilizing both available funds and the bank credit line. The Como Postal Police acted quickly to seize the scammers' bank account. Following judicial authorization, the full amount was recovered and formally returned to the foundation.