NoIn recent days, the Carabinieri of the Provincial Command of Agrigento have intensified their activities to combat scams against elderly people. In fact, several incidents of scams have been reported, some of which were only attempted thanks to the timely intervention of the military alerted by the victims.
In Agrigento, a man, posing as the lawyer of a woman who was the victim of a road accident caused by the daughter of an 85-year-old woman, had the latter deliver the sum of 2,000 euros in cash and several gold jewels.
In Canicattì, two men, qualifying themselves as carabiniere and lawyer, induced a 71-year-old woman to give them money and gold jewelery for a total value of 22,000 euros, with the excuse of avoiding legal trouble for the woman’s nephew, accused of a road accident .
In Ravanusa, a man, posing as a policeman, induced a 77-year-old woman to hand over 4,000 euros in cash, a ring and a gold necklace, with the excuse of paying a fine for the woman’s son.
Again in Agrigento, a man, posing as a policeman, induced a 74-year-old woman to hand over 750 euros in cash and several gold jewels to a female lawyer who shortly afterwards joined her at her home, with the excuse of avoiding legal consequences to the woman’s son, accused of a road accident.
The Carabinieri, committed daily to the protection of citizens and in particular the most vulnerable people, invites everyone to be vigilant and to follow some simple advice to avoid falling victim to scams:
Do not open to strangers: never open your gate, door or house door to strangers; always check who is on the other side with the peephole; use the chain if you need to open.
Check the identities: a real official from the Municipality, the Post Office, INPS, INAIL, gas or electricity technician never shows up at home without warning; do not allow anyone to collect bills or check home payments; Always check the identity of anyone who shows up at your door by asking to see an identification card.
Beware of fake employees: real bank employees do not offer home services; Don’t be convinced by anyone who presents themselves as representatives of charitable or religious organizations.
Don’t be distracted: be careful of those who try to distract you to steal from you; Don’t be convinced by those who offer you sweets or toys on the street.
Protect your assets: Never keep large sums of money at home; do not be persuaded to hand over money or jewelery to strangers; do not make cash payments to door-to-door sellers.
Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t convince you, don’t hesitate to call 112.
Help each other: create a good neighborly relationship; exchange telephone numbers with your neighbors; call 112 if necessary.
Participate in awareness-raising initiatives: find out about scams by participating in initiatives organized by the Carabinieri.
Be wary of: people who introduce themselves as “gas inspectors” and ask to enter your home to check your appliances. People who introduce themselves as “customer service representatives” and ask you to verify your contract or provide billing information. People who introduce themselves as “carabinieri” or “policemen” in plain clothes and ask you for money or jewels.
Remember: Law enforcement never asks for money or jewelery at your home. Real public service workers never show up at your home unannounced. If in doubt, contact 112.
It is also recommended to: Always report any incidents of fraud to the police. Pay close attention to your possessions, especially if they are valuable. Don’t trust strangers, especially if they come with offers that are too good to be true. Inform your family and acquaintances about the dangers of scams.
We remember that prevention is fundamental: it is important to talk to your loved ones, especially grandparents, to make them aware of the most frequent methods of deception and to teach them to be wary of those who offer easy money or present themselves as a public service operator or a relative in difficulty.
In case of doubts or suspicions, do not hesitate to immediately contact 112. The Carabinieri is at the citizens’ side to protect their safety.
04 May 2024 | 12.13pm
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