Garda Scam Alert: How to Recognize Fake Police Calls and Respond

They impersonate Carabinieri when making phone calls to hoteliers, shopkeepers, artisans, and restaurant owners in the middle and upper Garda area, offering subscriptions to magazines affiliated with the force.

These are not military personnel, but scammers who, from time to time, claim to belong to the finance police, regular police, fire brigade, or municipal security service.

How to recognize scams and how to respond

They often offer subscriptions to nonexistent magazines or magazines that have no connection to law enforcement agencies.

Therefore, be cautious and immediately notify the genuine Carabinieri — simply dial 112 — as soon as you suspect you have been targeted by individuals who, after receiving the money, disappear.