Naples, Italy – February 24, 2026 – The Municipality of Naples announced today the successful conclusion of its “Eye on the Swindler” project, a comprehensive initiative designed to combat fraud targeting elderly residents. The project, funded by the Ministry of Interior, adopted an integrated approach that went beyond traditional law enforcement, focusing on education, prevention, and psychological support for victims.
Integrated Approach Combats Fraud
Antonio de Iesu, Naples’ Councillor for Legality, highlighted the project’s success, stating, “The success of this project lies in the integrated approach we adopted. We did not limit ourselves to repression, but focused on education and post-event psychological support to combat the sense of isolation and shame that often afflicts victims. Strengthening trust in institutions is the first step to making our elderly less vulnerable and more aware of their self-protection tools.”
The concluding event for the project was held today at the Basilica of S. Giacomo degli Spagnoli in Naples. The gathering served to review the project’s achievements in safeguarding the most vulnerable segments of the population, who are often impacted not only financially but also psychologically by increasingly sophisticated physical and online scams.
Multi-faceted Intervention Strategies
The “Eye on the Swindler” project implemented several strategic lines of intervention:
- Multi-channel Campaign: A comprehensive campaign was launched across social media platforms, billboards, and metropolitan train station monitors.
- Information Distribution: Informative brochures were distributed at pharmacies, medical practices, CAF centers, and parishes.
- Mobile Unit: A mobile unit traversed all 10 Municipalities of Naples, bringing information and assistance directly to residents.
- Targeted Services: Uniformed and plainclothes police officers were deployed during pension collection days and at community gathering places.
- Community Meetings: Frontal meetings were organized in 35 parishes to educate seniors about phenomena such as “love bombing” and manipulation.
- Itinerant Listening Desk: In collaboration with the “Progetto Uomo” Cooperative, an itinerant listening desk operated for 13 weeks, providing guidance and social support to scam victims.
Police Engagement and Support
Ciro Esposito, Commander of the Municipal Police, emphasized the direct engagement of law enforcement in the community. “The Local Police took to the streets with mobile units in all 10 Municipalities and patrolled sensitive areas such as post offices and markets. We trained our operators not only on legal aspects but, above all, on active listening and welcoming vulnerable victims. Our presence at the exit of masses and in clubs allowed us to establish a direct and constant dialogue with citizens,” Esposito explained.
The project’s emphasis on direct interaction and accessible support aimed to build trust between the elderly and institutions, empowering them with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes.
Addressing the Psychological Impact of Scams
Beyond financial losses, scams often inflict significant psychological trauma on victims, leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and distrust. The “Eye on the Swindler” project recognized this crucial aspect by integrating psychological support into its framework. The itinerant listening desk, in particular, played a vital role in offering a safe space for victims to share their experiences and receive professional guidance.
The project’s success in addressing both the preventive and supportive aspects of fraud demonstrates a holistic approach to community safety and well-being. By fostering a more informed and resilient elderly population, Naples aims to create a safer environment for all its citizens.
The Municipality of Naples plans to continue monitoring the effectiveness of these strategies and adapt them as new forms of fraud emerge, ensuring that its elderly residents remain protected from exploitation.
Source: https://www.ansa.it/campania/notizie/2026/02/24/occhio-al-truffatore-concluso-progetto-promosso-dal-comune-di-napoli_0d764b7b-07d5-4d21-bad9-a60952248e51.html
