Feature: Italy urges elderly to self-defend from scams

When Beatrice Manzoni, an 80-year-old lady, was approached by Xinhua on Thursday while walking with her shopping bag, she cast a suspicious glance. "Are you really a journalist?" she asked.

Like many other people of her age in Italy, Manzoni has to protect herself from thefts and frauds every day. "I live alone. Days ago, I found a sign in my building warning the elderly to pay attention to security. We must not open the door or talk to strangers," she explained.

Figures of the Italian Interior Ministry released earlier this week showed that the years 2013 and 2014 have registered a significant increase of offences against the elderly, respectively of 8.6 percent and 3.5 percent. More than 14,000 people aged above 65 fell victim to scams last year.

For this reason, the Italian government launched a national campaign to caution the elderly, especially during the summer season, when cities are empty and the risk for those who remain at home alone is higher.

Among the advice included in a government handbook, there is not to be distracted while handling money, keep valuables out of sight, be suspicious of those who offer help, even if they claim to be technicians or policemen, and call police if in doubt. Attention is recommended in crowded places and when returning home.

"The victims of scams are especially those aged above 75, lonely people who are in need of talking to others and for this reason are easier to approach. Our advice is aimed at self-defense," State Police criminal analysis director Maria Teresa Sgaraglia told a press conference, presenting the initiative.

"My grandma always watches the news. She is very up-to-date and takes all the necessary precautions," student Giulia Arrigoni told Xinhua. "She is 88 and lives alone with her old dog in a secluded house, she likes to be independent," she added.

Some time ago, her grandma got robbed. "Someone managed to enter her house from the balcony door while she was having lunch with us. My family and I live not far from her, but we have become more anxious ever since," Arrigoni told Xinhua.

Offences against the elderly are worse when someone in order to swindle them pretends to be a dear person, 71-year-old Linda Cicoletti observed.

"Recently a friend of mine received a phone call from her grandson. But while she was talking to him, she had the feeling that she was not actually talking to her grandson. So she asked for explanations and the young man hung up," Cicoletti told Xinhua.

This happens quite frequently, she added, considering the accounts of her friends and relatives. Among these there are also the stories of elderly people who were approached while at a hospital by strangers pretending to be doctors.

"Since I had my wallet stolen in a bus, I go out with just a few euros in my pocket. I walk around the neighborhoods where there are families and children, and avoid places that I do not know," 76-year-old Matteo Maffei told Xinhua while sitting in a park with a friend.

"There is little to do. We live in this society and must try to defend ourselves without being overly dramatic," he pointed out.

One of the advertisings part of the campaign shows an elderly man approached at the ATM by two pretty girls who try to steal his money. The story ends with the man observing the girls being caught red-handed by police, and commenting that "they looked so beautiful, however..." Endit