Ciampino, June 8, 2026 – The Ciampino local police command is intensifying its campaign to prevent apartment burglaries and scams targeting elderly residents in the municipality and surrounding areas of Rome. This comes after several reports of fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officers to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Two Main Scams Identified: Fake Car Blocks and Phone Spoofing
Authorities have highlighted two primary methods employed by criminals. The first involves fake administrative car blocks, where victims are contacted by phone and instructed to report to a police office, often the local Carabinieri station, to address an alleged administrative block on their vehicle. The objective is to lure residents away from their homes, leaving their properties unguarded and susceptible to burglary. Similar incidents have been reported by the Guardia di Finanza in Poggio Mirteto, where at least six individuals were contacted with false summonses to leave their Roman homes and travel to a small barracks in the province of Rieti.
The second prevalent scam utilizes phone spoofing, a technique where fraudsters falsify their identity and phone number to appear as a trusted entity, such as the Carabinieri. They then attempt to persuade victims to execute bank transfers under the guise of an “urgent technical verification” or “alleged bank account blocks.” The Ciampino police emphasize that “even if an apparently reliable number appears on the display, it could be a falsification.”
Rising Concerns as Summer Approaches
With summer approaching and many cities expected to empty out, concerns are growing for the safety of elderly residents who remain at home alone. The Ciampino local police, led by Commander Roberto Antonelli, has received several reports from seniors who have been contacted by individuals falsely claiming to be law enforcement personnel. While the number of cases in Ciampino is still relatively low, authorities stress the importance of not letting one’s guard down.
Widespread Impact Across Rome and Province
These scams are not isolated to Ciampino. Reports from across Rome and its province indicate a broader problem. Earlier this June, the Carabinieri of the Rome Center company received 39 complaints, recovering over 900,000 euros in stolen gold, jewelry, and cash. They also reported 44 arrests of individuals using AI voice cloning technology to impersonate others and carry out these crimes.
Official Advice from Law Enforcement
The police reiterate crucial advice for residents:
- If you suspect you have received an anomalous call, immediately dial 112 (the single emergency number).
- Never leave your home unattended based on such calls.
- Be aware that Carabinieri never ask for money, bank transfers, top-ups, or bank credentials over the phone or via messaging.
- Do not provide personal data to unknown callers.
The Ciampino local police are actively working to raise awareness through prevention campaigns, educating the elderly on how to recognize and avoid these sophisticated scams. They urge maximum attention and caution from all citizens.
Source: https://www.romatoday.it/cronaca/finti-blocchi-auto-spoofing-ciampino.html
