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".
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