Ischia, elderly couple attacked in their homes after a scam: the scam ends in robbery, arrest.

Yet another episode of hatred and abuse against the most vulnerable sections of the population has taken place on the island of Ischia, where a scam orchestrated against an elderly couple escalated into a violent attack.

Carabinieri from the Barano d'Ischia station arrested Gaetano Traversino, a 21-year-old Neapolitan man already known to law enforcement, who is believed to be responsible for a criminal act that culminated in robbery and resisting a public official.

From deception to physical assault

The incident began inside a home in the municipality of Serrara Fontana. The young man showed up at the door of a couple—an 80-year-old woman and a 93-year-old husband—using the false identity of a Carabinieri officer. Using the usual and tried-and-true scenario of an emergency or a relative in need, the 21-year-old managed to secure a package containing 15 euros in cash.

The situation escalated when the victims, suspicious, began asking more in-depth questions. Faced with the risk of being discovered, the scammer abandoned his reassuring guise: he violently snatched the package from the woman and, to escape, brutally pushed her 93-year-old husband to the ground, as he had attempted to intercept his wife's presence.

The chase and the capture

Having dried their tears and overcome the initial shock, the couple alerted the emergency services, providing the Carabinieri at the Barano station with a precise identikit of the fugitive. The Operations Center immediately issued a search request to all patrols on the island.

The turning point came about two kilometers from the crime scene, near the local cemetery. A patrol spotted a young man whose description perfectly matched that provided by the victims. Upon seeing the officers, the 21-year-old attempted to flee on foot, but was stopped after a brief, heated struggle.

The Carabinieri found the entire €15 haul in the young man's backpack , which was promptly returned to the two elderly men. Fortunately, the 93-year-old man did not suffer serious physical injuries.

The arrested man will now have to answer before the judicial authorities for the charges of aggravated fraud, robbery and resisting a public official.

The phenomenon and the advice of the police

This episode highlights a worrying evolution of an already odious phenomenon. When psychological deception fails or encounters obstacles, the scammer's desperation transforms the crime against property into a crime involving violence against the person. The choice to target 80- and 93-year-olds demonstrates the total lack of scruples of individuals who view the fragility of others as a mere asset for their own profit.

Law enforcement advice for preventing scams:

No Arrests or Bail Over the Phone: Law enforcement and lawyers never ask for cash or jewelry to resolve legal matters, alleged traffic accidents, or detentions of relatives.

Don't open the door to strangers: Even if they appear in uniform or identify themselves as public employees (gas, electricity, post office, law enforcement), always verify their identity before letting them in.

Check calls to 112: If you receive a suspicious call from a supposed relative or police officer, hang up and call the single emergency number 112 directly (preferably using a different phone or waiting a few minutes, as scammers sometimes keep the line busy).

Never flash cash or valuables: Avoid keeping large sums of money at home and never reveal to strangers where your savings are kept.

Neighborhood Network: Involve neighbors, relatives, or acquaintances to immediately report the presence of suspicious people or cars near the homes of elderly people living alone.