Messina pensioner fraud scheme busted by Carabinieri

The Carabinieri units in Roccalumera and Giampilieri arrested a 45‑year‑old man from Siracusa, previously convicted of police offenses, on suspicion of aggravated fraud. The suspect posed as a magistrate and persuaded a 77‑year‑old pensioner from Messina to bring cash and jewellery to a meeting, claiming he needed to verify whether the items were proceeds of a robbery. The victim realized he had been deceived and reported the call to police, who quickly located the suspect near the Roccalumera highway toll booth. He was found with about €2,000 in cash, a white‑gold ring and two yellow‑gold rings that the pensioner had handed over, and was taken into custody.

Authorities warned that phone requests for money or valuables should be verified by calling emergency services (112) to prevent similar scams.