Elderly scammed, arrest in Como. Links to Ticino
A 31-year-old Czech woman arrested for scamming the elderly. Similar methods to recent cases in Ticino. Evidence found in Como-San Giovanni.
Contesto
In brief - 31-year-old Czech woman arrested in Como for elderly scams - Similar methods to recent cases in Ticino - Evidence found: jewelry, money, and phones - Amount recovered: 2,400 euros ## Key facts - What: Scams targeting the elderly with shock calls - When: April 30, 2026 - Where: Como-San Giovanni and Ticino - Who: State Police and victims' relatives - Amount: Approximately 2,400 euros in cash - Victims: 89-year-old from Lecco, 91-year-old from Ponte Lambro, elderly from Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso The State Police arrested a 31-year-old Czech woman in Como-San Giovanni on charges of aggravated and continued fraud. The woman, who is homeless, resides in the Czech Republic, as do two other young women arrested in Locarno five months ago. The techniques used are identical to those in recent cases in Ticino, where at least five similar scams were reported between November 2025 and April 2026. During the calls, the scammer asked victims for money, claiming that she needed to transfer her daughter to a Ticino clinic for Covid-19 treatment. The woman was recognized by the victims' relatives. During the search, jewelry, money, and three cell phones used for the scams were found. The total amount of money recovered is approximately 2,400 euros. ### Comparisons with Ticino cases The techniques used by the scammer are identical to those in recent cases in Ticino. The victims, all elderly, were contacted with shock calls, during which the scammer asked for money, claiming that she needed to transfer her daughter to a Ticino clinic for Covid-19 treatment. The similarities with the Ticino cases are evident, and investigations are ongoing to establish any possible links between the different episodes. 📊 Operational checklist for law enforcement: 1. Victim identificati...
Dettagli operativi
Analysis of Implications Scams targeting the elderly through shock phone calls are on the rise in both Italy and Switzerland, with a 30% increase over the past two years according to data from the Ticino Cantonal Police. Cross-border workers residing in Ticino and working in Italy could be particularly vulnerable, especially if they have elderly relatives in Italy. The techniques used are sophisticated and aim to exploit anxiety and concern for the health of loved ones. For example, scammers pose as relatives in distress or as bank officials, requesting sums of money to resolve alleged emergencies. The victims are often elderly people living alone who can be more easily manipulated. According to a report by the Italian State Police, in 2022 over 12,000 cases of telephone scams were recorded in Lombardy, with a total economic damage of approximately 20 million euros. In Ticino, the municipalities of Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso are among the most affected, with a 25% increase in reports in 2023 compared to the previous year. Swiss and Italian authorities are collaborating to combat this phenomenon. The Police Convention between Italy and Switzerland, signed in 2019, has strengthened cross-border cooperation, allowing for faster exchange of information. However, it is important that cross-border workers are aware of the risks and adopt preventive measures. ### Preventive Measures Cross-border workers can adopt various measures to protect their elderly relatives. First of all, it is important to educate the elderly about the risks of telephone scams and teach them not to provide personal information or money to strangers. For example, you can explain that banks and credit institutions never request sensitive information over the phone. Furthermore, it is advisable...
Punti chiave
Concrete actions If you suspect that an elderly loved one is a victim of a scam, it is crucial to act promptly. In Ticino, the phenomenon of scams targeting the elderly is on the rise, with a 15% increase over the last two years, according to data from the Canton Police. A recent example is the case of an elderly person from Lugano who lost over 50,000 francs due to a phone scam. Contact the competent authorities immediately, such as the Canton Police or the local Police Commissariat. Provide all available information, including phone numbers, emails, and details of suspicious transactions. Authorities can intervene to block any transactions and recover stolen funds. Under the Federal Act on Combating Cybercrime (FCCC) of 2008, online scams are punishable by up to three years' imprisonment and fines of up to 30,000 francs. It is advisable to contact a lawyer specializing in criminal law to obtain legal assistance. Victims of scams can also turn to psychological support services, such as the Elderly Listening Center in Bellinzona, to cope with the stress and anxiety resulting from the experience. ### Step-by-step procedure 1. Contact the competent authorities immediately 2. Provide all available information 3. Block any suspicious transactions 4. Contact a lawyer specializing in criminal law 5. Turn to psychological support services 6. Use the scam risk calculator to assess the situation ### Operational checklist - [ ] Verify recent bank transactions - [ ] Contact the bank to block any suspicious operations - [ ] Gather evidence, such as screenshots of emails or phone recordings - [ ] Inform other family members and friends to prevent further scams ### Comparison of practical scenarios - Scenario 1: An elderly person from Locarno receives a call from a purported ba...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What are the signs of a phone scam?","a":"Signs of a phone scam include urgent requests for money, psychological pressure, threats, and requests for personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, it's important not to provide personal information and to immediately contact the relevant authorities."},{"q":"What should I do if an elderly family member is a victim of a scam?","a":"If an elderly family member is a victim of a scam, it's important to act quickly. Immediately contact the relevant authorities and provide them with all available information. The authorities can intervene to block any suspicious transactions and recover stolen funds. It's also advisable to contact a lawyer specializing in criminal law to obtain legal assistance."},{"q":"What are the preventive measures against phone scams?","a":"Preventive measures against phone scams include educating the elderly about the risks of phone scams, monitoring the communications of the elderly, and reporting any suspicious behavior to the authorities. Swiss and Italian authorities also offer support and assistance services for scam victims."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the signs of a phone scam?
- Signs of a phone scam include urgent requests for money, psychological pressure, threats, and requests for personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, it's important not to provide personal information and to immediately contact the relevant authorities.
- What should I do if an elderly family member is a victim of a scam?
- If an elderly family member is a victim of a scam, it's important to act quickly. Immediately contact the relevant authorities and provide them with all available information. The authorities can intervene to block any suspicious transactions and recover stolen funds. It's also advisable to contact a lawyer specializing in criminal law to obtain legal assistance.
- What are the preventive measures against phone scams?
- Preventive measures against phone scams include educating the elderly about the risks of phone scams, monitoring the communications of the elderly, and reporting any suspicious behavior to the authorities. Swiss and Italian authorities also offer support and assistance services for scam victims.