The call came at the wrong time, with just the right words to instill panic. A woman in her nineties from Pietradefusi, in the province of Avellino, was told by the alleged post office manager that her nephew was "in serious legal trouble" and that money was needed immediately to avoid his arrest. The distraught woman opened the door to an emissary and handed him cash and jewelry, believing she was saving a family member.
A few minutes later, however, the relatives realized something wasn't right and alerted the Carabinieri of the Mirabella Eclano Company. The tip-off triggered a race against time that ended near the Benevento toll booth on the A16 motorway, where the two scammers' car was intercepted, thanks also to the assistance of the Grottaminarda Highway Police.
During the check, one of the two managed to flee on foot and disappear, while a 17-year-old from Naples was arrested and charged with aggravated fraud. In the car, officers found the entire stolen goods, including cash and valuables, which were immediately returned to the elderly woman.
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