"Don't be afraid to call us; we are there to answer you at any time, and come to your aid." This was stated during the recent meeting organized by the socio-cultural sector of the Municipality of Palau, on scams against the elderly, by Lt. Daniele Antonucci, commander of the local Carabinieri station. With him was Lt. Loris Coppola, commander of the Operations Section of the Territorial Department of the Carabinieri Olbia. "The phenomenon of scams against the elderly is fought above all with prevention," said Lt. Coppola. "The case history speaks clearly; it is a type of crime that, once committed, is difficult for us to repress." It is therefore necessary for the elderly to receive some notions, some advice, to try to prevent these unfortunate phenomena, continued Lt. Coppola and "to be put in a position to know how to behave in the occasions in which you are contacted and approached by people who have the intention of defrauding you, of making fun of you, in order to steal your goods. What are we talking about? Cash or, more often than not, jewelry."

Scammers are people who take advantage of the kindness of the person they have targeted or who they have randomly “caught” among many; on their good faith and on the fact of surprising them with a phone call or a ring of the doorbell, while they are quietly at home: it happens that, taken by the agitation of the moment, by the anxiety, by the worry of what is being said to them, they are unable to react with the appropriate lucidity and objectivity.

Therefore, the Carabinieri recommend that you absolutely distrust anyone who presents themselves as a lawyer or law enforcement officer and asks for money to assist children or family members who have been arrested or involved in road accidents. Also distrust a smile, a hug, or a confidential attitude from strangers: it could be a way to approach the elderly person, gain their trust, and rob them. Another piece of advice is to never provide personal information such as passwords and bank details over the phone or through social media or by email. Never answer the phone with words such as "yes" or "sure", as they could be used to subtly certify consent to an unwanted contract. Be extremely careful when opening the door to strangers; Always check with the video intercom or the peephole, always keeping the door chain on. Also be careful of fake employees of the electricity, telephone, gas, or water companies; they enter the house and, after distracting the person, rummage through their things and take them away.

In all these cases, and in other doubts, take your time, notify a family member and call 112.

Be careful also on public transport or in crowded environments where it is easier to distract a person with a push, apparently involuntary, to steal the wallet or take off necklaces. Be careful when using ATMs or postamats. Always put a hand to cover the finger that types the pin. Unfortunately, those who scam always come up with new tricks even using new technologies and this is also why you must always be on your guard.

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