Fraud against elderly up 8.6%

(ANSA) - Rome, May 27 - Fraud against the elderly in Italy rose 8.6% between 2012 and 2014, interior ministry statistics revealed Wednesday.
    "Victims...tend to be people aged over 75, who may need to talk and are therefore easy to approach," said State Police Criminal Analysis Director Maria Teresa Sgaraglia, adding senior citizens left behind in the city during summer holidays may be especially vulnerable.
    Seniors are warned not to let strangers into their homes, to keep valuables out of sight, not to get distracted while handling money, and to call police when in doubt.
    The interior ministry reported that fraud against the elderly rose 3.5% in 2014 to 14,087 incidents, with people aged over 65 making up 15.5% of total victims. Authorities warned against well-mannered, well-dressed scammers. who tend to appear at the door and pretend familiarity. A handbook suggests answering with a firm, "I'm sorry, but I have no time".