Terzigno is back in the news with yet another carefully crafted scam. This time, it's the now-infamous "rear-view mirror scam," a deceptive scheme that uses elaborate setups to extort money from motorists.
The modus operandi is always the same: the scammer simulates damage to his own car, often using objects to make an impact noise. He then approaches the driver, accusing him of having caused the damage and asking for direct compensation to avoid the involvement of the insurance companies.
The most recent incident occurred last night. A 35-year-old local man, Bruno Abbruzzese, already known to law enforcement, staged the scam, but with a more menacing twist. After accusing a motorist of damaging his bumper and door, Abbruzzese displayed a car jack to intimidate the victim and convince him to give in to the blackmail.
Fortunately, the timely intervention of the Carabinieri of the Terzigno station prevented the scam from succeeding. The officers, who arrived on the scene during the heated discussion, stopped the 35-year-old, finding a jar of black wax in his car, presumably used to simulate scratches on the bodywork.
Bruno Abbruzzese was arrested on charges of attempted extortion and fraud. He is now in prison, awaiting trial.
It's an incredible thing that happens in Terzigno, people don't know how to defend themselves from these scammers anymore. They use every trick to deceive people and take away their money, and it's sad to see that it never stops.