Matera Police Arrest Teen in €11,000 ‘Fake Lawyer’ Scam Targeting Elderly Woman

Matera, Italy – A 19-year-old man from the province of Avellino has been arrested and placed under house arrest by the Matera State Police following an investigation into a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting an elderly woman. The scam involved posing as a lawyer to extract €11,000 and gold jewelry from the victim.

Details of the Fraud

The incident occurred on February 22, 2025, in Matera. According to police reports, the victim received a phone call from an individual falsely claiming to be a lawyer. The caller fabricated a story about the woman’s brother being involved in a serious traffic accident, claiming that another woman and her son were severely injured. The “lawyer” then pressured the victim to provide funds to cover legal expenses related to the alleged incident.

How the Scam Unfolded

Exploiting the victim’s anxiety and concern for her family, the perpetrator initially convinced her to hand over €900. Subsequently, through continued manipulation, the scammer obtained a total of €11,000 and a quantity of gold jewelry from the elderly woman. Virgilio Notizie reports the arrest was made on March 14, 2026.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, seeking to identify any additional individuals involved in the scheme. The arrested teenager is currently facing charges of aggravated fraud. TRM TV and Il Mattino also reported on the arrest.

Protecting Against Similar Scams

Police urge individuals, particularly the elderly, to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls requesting money, especially those involving urgent or emotional appeals. It is crucial to independently verify any information received through such calls before taking any financial action. Contacting family members or local authorities can help confirm the legitimacy of the request.