Caserta, two senior citizens scammers arrested while traveling

Caserta – Another scam targeting the elderly has been foiled thanks to collaboration between residents and law enforcement.

This time the alleged scammers came from the Naples area, specifically from Terzigno and San Gennaro Vesuviano, but they had targeted their "prey" in the small town of Formicola, in the province of Caserta.

The two—a 42-year-old and a 33-year-old—were arrested by Carabinieri officers from the Formicola station while attempting to pull off a scam using the so-called "false marshal method." The prompt action of a 78-year-old woman, who, after receiving a suspicious call, immediately alerted the real police, was providential.

The man on the phone, pretending to be a Carabinieri marshal, had asked the woman to deliver money and jewelry to a so-called colleague, who – he said – would show up at her home shortly. An old fraud, but still sadly widespread: using fear to convince the elderly to hand over cash or valuables to “save” a relative involved in legal trouble.

The woman, suspicious and aware thanks to the anti-fraud information campaign promoted by the Carabinieri, didn't open the door. However, she memorized the fake Carabiniere's facial features and provided detailed information to the officers. From there, the hunt for the scammers began.

Shortly after, in Castel di Sasso, the police They intercepted a yellow Fiat 600 with Polish license plates, consistent with the description received. Two men were inside: one exactly matched the identikit provided by the victim. When the officers stopped, the car did not stop, triggering a chase that ended after about five kilometers, in Pontelatone. The two were stopped and arrested.

At the police station, the victim clearly identified the man who had attempted to break into the house. Municipal surveillance footage confirmed the car's presence in the town at the exact time of the attempted scam.

The two men's cell phones were seized to investigate any possible links to other similar incidents. The two arrested will be tried in a fast-track trial at the San Maria Capua Vetere court.

The Carabinieri's appeal: "Call 112 immediately."

Once again, a citizen's prompt action and cooperation with law enforcement prevented an elderly woman from falling victim to a scam. The Carabinieri reiterate their warning to be wary of any requests for money made over the phone by strangers posing as law enforcement. If you have any doubts or suspicions, it's essential to immediately contact 112. Even a report can make a difference.

In short

Caserta – Another scam targeting the elderly has been foiled thanks to collaboration between residents and law enforcement.

This time the alleged scammers came from the Neapolitan area, specifically from Terzigno and San Gennaro Vesuviano, but they had targeted the…
The two – a 42-year-old and a 33-year-old – were arrested by the Carabinieri of the Formicola Station while attempting…
The prompt action of a 78-year-old woman, who immediately alerted the real military personnel after receiving a suspicious call, was providential.