Bologna, the video of the one million euro scam to an old woman: the police advice not to fall into the traps

A one million euro scam: the booty has disappeared within a few hours. This is what happened in Bologna last May, when Two men, 40 and 31 years old, managed to introduce themselves into the home of an elderly pretending to be carabinieri.

According to the victim’s story, the two had presented themselves claiming to have just arrested two thieves guilty of a theft in the same house. A pretext designed to earn trust and, above all, to convince the woman to let them in. Once in the house, the fake military also had access to the Caveau, taking via jewelry and precious for an estimated value in one million euros.

Investigators managed to trace the alleged authors thanks to the testimony of the ANZiana and the video surveillance movies, who immortalized them as they entered with the victim And then they flew with the stolen goods in hand. Here is the video:

The case of Bologna is not isolated. The chronicles frequently report similar episodes, in which they are badly there are as technicians, law enforcement officers, bank officials or associations of associations. The goal is always the same: to exploit trust Of people, often sun and fragile, to convince them to open the door or deliver money and valuable goods.

Vademecum against scams

Here are the main indications spread by the police to protect themselves:

• The appearance of the scammers: they can be men or women, even elderly people. If in bourgeois, they often dress elegantly; If in uniform, they have easily recognizable details such as false: incomplete degrees, counterfeit tiles, unofficial distinctive.
• Their behavior: use kind but decisive ways, speak a lot and try to disorient the victim. They can pretend to meet details on the person’s family, citing children or relatives.

At home

• Do not open the door to strangers. Even if they show a card or uniform: the bad guys know how to falsify them.
• Don’t get alone to decide. If someone presents themselves without notice, call a family member or neighbor immediately.
• Never deliver money or precious. No carabiniere, policemen or technical is authorized to ask them.

Banking services

• The bank does not send home. All operations take place at the counter, by correspondence or online.
• Be wary of those who speak of personal codes. Anyone asking to view passwords, pins or home account numbers is a scammer.
• No replacement of banknotes. There are no controls of the standard numbers or changes of door worn banknotes.

Post and packages

• Deliveries take place on the door or in the entrance hall. If there is no goalkeeper and the postman is unknown, do not collect parcels directly to the door.
• Attention to false couriers. If the delivery is not expected or a cash payment is requested, it is better to refuse and check with the post office.

Charity and parishes

• The parishes and charity associations do not send volunteers at home. They communicate with letters in the holes of the mail or notices in the androni.
• Be wary of improvised collections. Those who ask for money directly at home saying to act for charity is almost certainly an attacker.

In general

• Don’t be in a hurry to answer. The scammers leverage urgency: taking a few minutes to reflect is already a defense.
• Share the rules with relatives and neighbors. An informed community is more difficult to deceive.
• Always report. Failed attempts should also be reported to the police: they can help unmasking scammers.

The community as a shield

Personal prudence remains the first protection, but the social network is also crucial. The neighbors can give support, as well as parishes and neighborhood associations, which organize meetings to inform citizens. Law enforcement officers invite to spread these advice Among friends and relatives, especially with the elderly who live alone.