In the BAT province, carabinieri successfully carried out an operation that led to the arrest of three men accused of scamming elderly victims. Thanks to the quick response of the victims and the prompt action of law enforcement, the alleged fraudsters were apprehended before completing their schemes.
A calculated scheme targeting the vulnerable
The scammers followed a well-devised plan involving manipulative phone calls and impersonations of fake carabinieri marshals. Elderly victims received calls claiming that a relative was in legal trouble and detained at a police station. To secure their release, the victims were asked for payments in cash or valuables.
In the first incident in Bisceglie, two young men from Campania tried to deceive a 90-year-old woman by asking for money to resolve a fabricated legal issue. In Minervino Murge, another scammer used a more elaborate ploy to trick a 70-year-old woman, even simulating a call to the emergency number 112 to make the scam seem legitimate.
Victim awareness and police intervention
Thanks to awareness campaigns promoted in recent years, the victims recognized the warning signs and contacted the genuine carabinieri, enabling them to thwart the frauds. Officers successfully intercepted the suspects before they could execute their plans.
In Bisceglie, the two scammers were apprehended on their way to the victim’s residence. In Minervino Murge, the scammer’s sophisticated tactics underscored the critical importance of timely police intervention.
Arrests and ongoing investigations
The three men were caught red-handed and taken to Trani prison. However, their status remains under the scrutiny of the judicial authorities, and, as per the law, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Prevention: the best defense against scams
These incidents highlight the importance of educating the public, especially the elderly, about common fraud tactics. Law enforcement advises skepticism toward financial requests made over the phone and urges people to verify any suspicious claims directly with emergency numbers.
Have you encountered similar fraud attempts? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below.
