# Italy fraud and phishing scams rise > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italy-fraud-scams-rise > Updated: 2026-09-10T13:00:19.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 7. In late July 2026, Italian police warned of scams targeting job-seekers and the elderly. In early August, reports highlighted a surge in electronic card fraud during summer holidays. Investigations by mUp Research for Facile.it revealed that 2.9 million people were victims of attempted or successful electricity and gas bill scams over the past year, causing an estimated 650 million euros in damage. While victim numbers decreased by 27% from 2023, fake call centers remain the primary tactic (68.2%). Younger demographics (ages 25-44) and university graduates are disproportionately affected. Approximately 59.2% of victims do not report these crimes due to perceived low economic value, belief that funds are unrecoverable, or embarrassment. Law enforcement, including the Polizia Postale, has warned of increasingly sophisticated digital tactics. These include phishing via SMS and email regarding Agenzia delle Entrate invoicing, AI-driven Inps-themed identity theft requests, and deceptive messages regarding unpaid highway tolls. Criminals are also exploiting mobile payment apps like BANCOMAT Pay to send unauthorized requests. Physical scams persist, such as individuals posing as Carabinieri to extort money or targeting the elderly with false claims of vehicle damage. By September 2026, new data showed telephony fraud involving landlines or mobile phones reached 3.2 million victims, causing an estimated 731 million euros in damage. In mobile telephony scams, nearly one in four incidents occurred via instant messaging apps. Notably, the incidence rate for mobile scams reached 10.7% among 18-24 year olds, and university graduates were found to be more than twice as likely to be victims compared to the national average. In response to these trends, the municipality of Viadana has applied for a regional grant titled ‘Occhio alle truffe – Viadana sicura’ (Watch out for scams – Safe Viadana). Recent incidents further highlight evolving banking fraud tactics. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Italy faces rising banking fraud via phishing and malware Italian authorities are investigating various banking frauds, including a 7,000-euro phishing theft in Naples and a court ruling ordering a bank to compensate a company for a 23,500-euro malware-driven transfer 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-faces-rising-banking-fraud-via-phishing-and-malware ### 2026-09-08: Italy telephony fraud affects 3.2 million people annually Over 3.2 million Italians fell victim to telephony fraud last year, causing massive economic damage. In Viadana, local authorities are launching prevention initiatives to protect citizens. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-telephony-fraud-affects-32-million-people-annually ### 2026-09-08: Italy telephony fraud victims reach 3.2 million Over 3.2 million Italians fell victim to telephony fraud last year, causing an estimated 731 million euros in damages. Younger people and university graduates are disproportionately affected. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-telephony-fraud-victims-reach-32-million ### 2026-08-20: Italy faces surge in diverse fraud and phishing scams Italy is experiencing a surge in diverse scams, ranging from sophisticated digital phishing and fake institutional SMS to social engineering and fraudulent mobile payment requests. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/civitavecchia-residents-targeted-by-physical-and-digital-scams ### 2026-08-18: Italy utility scams affect 2.9 million people Nearly 2.9 million Italians fell victim to electricity and gas bill scams last year, causing an estimated 650 million euro loss. Fake call centers remain the most prevalent fraudulent method. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-utility-scams-affect-29-million-people ### 2026-08-06: Italian travelers warned of card fraud risks abroad Facile.it study finds over 2 million Italians hit by card fraud; experts issue 10 tips for safe use of credit, debit and prepaid cards abroad. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-warns-of-rising-electronic-card-fraud-as-summer-travel-spikes ### 2026-07-21: Italy reports surge in job‑seeker and elderly fraud scams In Italy, a 35‑year‑old job seeker lost €1,000 to a fake recruiter using WhatsApp, while a 79‑year‑old woman was robbed after letting a fraudulent water‑utility technician into her home; police warn against the 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-reports-surge-in-jobseeker-and-elderly-fraud-scams --- Cite as: Italy fraud and phishing scams rise. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italy-fraud-scams-rise