Italian towns launch campaign to protect seniors from scams

The municipality of Livorno introduced the project “Meglio ave’ paura ’he toccanne” to fight fraud targeting the elderly. The initiative was presented by local officials, including social affairs assessor Andrea Raspanti, Prefect Giancarlo Dinisi and Questore Giusi Stellino, together with provincial commanders of the Guardia di Finanza, Carabinieri and municipal police. It is funded by the Ministry of the Interior and coordinated by the Public Assistance Voluntary Rescue Society (SVS) of Livorno, in partnership with consumer and social organisations. The campaign seeks to raise awareness, inform seniors about sophisticated fraud techniques and advise them to call 112 rather than unknown numbers when in doubt.

In the southern region of Basilicata, regional councilor Antonio Bochicchio called for stronger measures against online scams aimed at people over 65. He linked fraud to economic and psychological violence, noted recent regional legislation on cyberbullying, and stressed the need for dedicated resources and the involvement of bodies such as Corecom. Bochicchio warned that deep‑fake and AI‑driven deception are increasing the complexity of digital scams, urging enhanced education and prevention tools for vulnerable citizens.