Italian police thwart several fake‑Carabinieri fraud schemes targeting seniors

Police forces in several Italian regions intercepted multiple fraud operations that pretended to be Carabinieri or bank officials and targeted elderly citizens. In Catania, Poste Italiane stopped a "fake transfer" scam that could have stolen money from a pensioner. In Taurianova, Carabinieri arrested a 20‑year‑old after a woman reported a scheme that had already cost her more than €80,000. Similar phone‑spoofing scams in Villabassa and Randazzo defrauded women of €8,600 and attempted a "mirror" ruse for cash. In Trieste, two hours apart, one elderly woman avoided loss while another lost jewelry worth €20‑30 k to impostors posing as Carabinieri.

Authorities responded by warning the public, seizing suspects, and emphasizing preventive measures. Rudy Raniolo, head of Fraud Management for Poste Italiane in Sicily, said: "Our staff are trained to recognize these behaviours and citizens should report suspicious requests without hesitation." The Carabinieri and police urged people to verify any request for money or personal data by contacting official channels before complying.