Italy: Fraudulent phone calls impersonating police and Carabinieri reported

Authorities in Viterbo and Santa Luce have issued warnings following a series of fraudulent phone calls where scammers impersonate local police or Carabinieri officers.

In Viterbo, callers claim there is an issue with a vehicle license plate associated with a deceased relative, urging citizens to visit the police station urgently. In Santa Luce, scammers use similar tactics, falsely summoning residents to the barracks. Authorities believe the goal in Santa Luce may be to induce victims to leave their homes unattended to facilitate burglaries.

Local administrations advise citizens to verify any official calls by checking the number or contacting emergency services directly via 112. Residents are urged not to provide personal information or sensitive data to unknown callers and to alert elderly neighbors who may be more vulnerable to these schemes.