Still attempted scams against elderly people in Marsala. Two cases have been reported to the police, who are warning citizens, especially the elderly, inviting them to pay maximum attention and not to panic.
In both cases, the scammers acted with the same modus operandi: a phone call from a fake policeman informing the victim of an alleged crime committed with his car. In the first case, the professional is told that his car was used for a theft in a city in northern Italy. Intrigued, the man replies that his car is parked outside the house. The fake policeman then invites him to immediately go to the police station to clarify the misunderstanding.
Taking advantage of the husband’s absence, another member of the gang contacts his wife by telephone, telling her that their son, who lives for work in a city in northern Italy, has been involved in a road accident and that his car insurance is expired. This would lead to criminal consequences for the child.
A few minutes later, another accomplice shows up at the elderly woman’s door, posing as a delegate from a law firm in charge of withdrawing a sum of money to avoid taking legal action against her son. With the excuse of having to verify the documentation, the criminal enters the house and, with manipulative skill, convinces the woman to open the safe. Once the victim’s trust has been gained, the scammer takes possession of the money and valuables contained in the safe and disappears.
Tips to avoid falling victim to scams
The police forces invite the elderly to pay maximum attention to this type of scam and to follow some simple advice:
– Don’t trust phone calls from unknown numbers: If you receive a phone call from a number you don’t know, never provide personal or banking details. If you have any doubts, contact 112 directly or go to the nearest police station.
– Do not let unknown people into the house: If someone knocks on the door and introduces himself as an operator or a public official, do not let him into the house. – – – Always ask for an identification card and, if you have any doubts, contact the organization you belong to directly to verify your identity.
– Never give money or valuables to unknown people: If someone asks you for money or valuables, never comply. Immediately report the incident to the police.
– Talk to your family and friends: Inform your family and friends about these types of scams and make them aware of the risks they run.
– If in doubt, contact 112: If you have any doubts or feel threatened, do not hesitate to contact 112.
