Italy reports surge in scams targeting elderly via fake police impersonation

Authorities in Italy are reporting a surge in sophisticated scams targeting the elderly, frequently involving individuals impersonating Carabinieri officers. These criminals often initiate contact via telephone, creating false emergencies such as a relative being involved in a car accident or a robbery, to induce panic and extort cash or jewelry.

In several recent incidents, suspects have been arrested in flagrante. In Calitri, two individuals were apprehended after an elderly man was both defrauded and physically assaulted when he attempted to resist a woman posing as an officer. In Isernia, a man was arrested after attempting to deceive a senior citizen while accompanied by his 12-year-old son, who was used to appear less suspicious.

To combat these evolving tactics, organizations like Confartigianato Palermo and Anap are distributing educational materials to help citizens recognize red flags. Key advice from the Carabinieri includes never providing personal information over the phone, refusing to allow strangers into the home, and immediately contacting the emergency number 112 if a suspicious call is received.