Like many other Italian cities, Forlì is targeted by scammers who try to exploit the lack of comprehensive information and the vulnerability of certain people to make a profit. In recent years, new types of scams have emerged that exploit modern technologies, but the favorite victims are still the elderly. In Forlì, a series of information meetings was held between May and June to talk to citizens about the most common frauds currently in circulation and to understand how to protect, above all, the weakest sections of the population.
Online scams: fakes, purchases, cryptocurrencies and online trading
With the increase in the use of the internet, our habits have changed in many respects and scams have adapted accordingly. For example, the way of making purchases – both products and services – the way of communicating and working have changed. Everything that used to happen on the phone or in person now happens much more frequently on the web. The investment industry has also changed. In fact, there are many consumers who try to generate extra income by buying and selling cryptocurrencies and online trading.
Cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies created to offer an alternative payment method to money during the 2008 financial crisis, but they quickly became a form of speculative investment. By registering on an exchange platform, commonly called exchange, you can buy these assets, resell them or trade them by taking advantage of price volatility. It all happens online, where regulatory gaps are evident. For scammers, it is therefore easy to create false exchange platforms or trading platforms (for the buying and selling of shares and financial instruments) and induce victims to invest and then run away with the loot, and there have been many cases recorded in recent years. Carrying out in-depth research is essential if you want to dive into this type of activity, which is completely legitimate (albeit risky) if carried out through recognized and, possibly, regulated exchanges or brokers. On the main search engines, typing, for example, crypto.com reviews in choosing the exchangeyou can access a large number of useful results and feedback from other users who have already used this service.
Only in this way, and by favoring institutional information sites, such as that of the CONSOB, can one avoid falling into the traps of scammers. And the same goes for any online purchase. Scams involving fake product purchases have decreased because consumers choose to buy only from e-commerce giants or online shops whose reputation they are certain of. However, there is still work to be done on scams relating to false holiday home advertisements, which still claim many victims, attracted by the possibility of spending a cheap holiday in a dream home. Even in this case, you shouldn’t stop at the first advertisement, but continue to do research to understand if the offer is real and it is better, where possible, to prefer paying the entire sum on site.
Phishing
The phishing it is a type of online scam that is not new, but still very widespread. It works like this: Scammers send emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources such as banks, law enforcement agencies, or online stores. These messages contain links to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or financial information.
Similar scams now also take place on social media – where the attention threshold is generally lower – through profiles fake of people posing as friends or relatives of the victim to steal sensitive information which will then be used to steal money from the victim. This is why you must always be very careful when accepting a friend request or communicating with someone only in the “virtual” world.
As for emails that appear to come from legitimate sources, it is always better to do some research to understand if that address actually belongs to the sender (sometimes, there can be even minimal differences), avoid clicking on suspicious links and consult the web to understand if someone received a similar email and whether it is actually a scam.
Telephone scams
New scams are taking place on the web, but telephone scams are still very popular, even in Forlì. The favorite victims, in this case, are above all the elderly and the most vulnerable people. These are generally contacted by self-styled representatives of banking institutions, telephone companies or even law enforcement agencies or government bodies. There are many and varied techniques for stealing financial information (such as bank account numbers or PIN codes) or extorting money. The most widespread currently is, however, that of the “relative in difficulty”.
The victim receives a phone call from someone – often a person posing as a law enforcement representative – alerting them to the fact that a relative, for example, a grandchild or a child, is experiencing an emergency, such as a arrest or accident. Fraudsters, therefore, ask for immediate money to “resolve” the situation, exploiting emotions and the desire to help loved ones. It should be noted that, sometimes, scammers show up directly at the victims’ door, even if the telephone appears to be the most suitable means to carry out the fraud.
Romance scams
The sentimental scams or romantic relationships are on the rise everywhere and those who pay the price are the most vulnerable people. Scammers use social networks or online dating platforms to make contact with victims, pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship. After gaining the victims’ trust, they ask for money to deal with completely invented emergency situations, such as medical treatment or travel. The financial losses can be huge, but the psychological effects on victims of this type of fraud are even more devastating.
You should be cautious when sharing personal information on online dating platforms and be wary of requests for money from people you meet online. Furthermore, it is advisable to report suspicious profiles to the administrators of the social network or dating site.
Being able to recognize a scam or admit that you have fallen into this type of trap is difficult, but it is important to consult with a relative or loved one before making an important decision, such as depriving yourself of part of your savings. Precisely to underline the importance of dialogue and information sharing, the Municipality of Forlì organized a series of meetings which were held between May and June.
Protect yourself from scams: the series of free meetings held in Forlì
The information meetings dedicated to the topic of scams for the elderly which were held in Forlì are part of an initiative born from the collaboration between the Welfare and Family Policies Department, the Security Policies Department, Prefecture, Police Headquarters, Local Police and Carabinieri. In fact, it is the police who intervene and investigate when a complaint is filed.
During each meeting, the most widespread scams in the area were illustrated, especially to the detriment of the elderly, and the good practices to be implemented to identify and defend against them.
It is initiatives like these, free and open to all citizens, that can help combat this phenomenon, because it is only with widespread information and a solid support network that potential victims can be saved from traps that are too often very well orchestrated.
