Naples, January 17 – A new and elaborate scam targeting elderly individuals has been reported in Naples, with perpetrators impersonating law enforcement officers to defraud victims of their valuables. The sophisticated scheme, which has reportedly spread across Italy, preys on fear, urgency, and respect for authority.
The Modus Operandi: A Two-Phase Deception
The scam begins with a phone call, often in the morning hours, where the caller identifies themselves as a Carabinieri officer. The voice is described as firm, polite, and credible, resembling that of an official. The caller informs the elderly victim that their car’s license plate has been cloned and used in a recent robbery of a jewelry store. The victim is told that they need to prove their non-involvement immediately.
The Accomplice at the Door
Shortly after the initial phone call, a second individual, an accomplice, arrives at the victim’s home. This person claims to be tasked with ‘verbally recording’ the precious items stored in the house to certify that they are not part of the stolen loot. The accomplice meticulously inspects jewelry, necklaces, and rings, describing them on what appear to be official forms. This is the critical moment of the scam.
During this phase, the victim is often asked to momentarily leave the room to retrieve a document, such as a tax code or identification card. Upon their return, the accomplice has vanished, taking the valuables with them. Meanwhile, the initial scammer on the phone, feigning to remain ‘on the line’ from the police station, continues to speak, offering reassurances and inventing excuses. The victim is then instructed to go to the nearest police station to complete the ‘formalities’.
The deception only becomes clear when the victim, often already en route to the police station, realizes the call has abruptly ended. The silence that follows confirms the fraud: the fake Carabinieri and the stolen jewelry are gone.
A Professional Criminal Enterprise
According to reports, the fraudsters are highly skilled in their deception. They are known to adapt their accents, inflections, and vocabulary to match the region of their victims, creating a sense of familiarity and trust. This linguistic proficiency is a key weapon in overcoming any initial suspicion from the victim.
This scam is built on exploiting the trust and solitude of vulnerable individuals, demonstrating a criminal ingenuity that constantly reinvents its techniques and language.
Official Warnings and Prevention
Law enforcement agencies strongly advise maximum caution. They emphasize that genuine Carabinieri officers will never ask for jewelry or money, nor will they conduct verifications at a private residence. In case of any doubt, it is always recommended to hang up immediately and directly call the emergency number 112. Even a reassuring voice with the ‘right’ accent can be a trap.
This incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and awareness, especially among the elderly, to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics.
