City of Pavia Launches Six Prevention Seminars Against Elder Fraud

The City of Pavia in Italy is intensifying efforts to prevent elder fraud by hosting six community seminars as part of an Interior Ministry initiative. The events will feature educational videos and role-playing exercises to help residents recognize and respond to fraud schemes, while also providing psychological support to victims.

Overview of Elder Fraud and Victimization

The City of Pavia in northern Italy is strengthening its efforts to combat fraud targeting elderly residents. According to official statistics, approximately one in three people in Italy experience fraud, and the methods used by scammers are becoming increasingly diverse and sophisticated due to advancing technology. Elderly victims face not only financial losses but also psychological distress and eroded trust in others.

Project Overview

Pavia city is partnering with local law enforcement and the citizen organization Calypso to participate in an Interior Ministry fraud prevention project. The initiative consists of six public seminars held across different districts, open to all residents.

Content and Structure of Seminars

Each seminar includes the following components:

Educational Sessions: Explanations of fraud mechanisms and case examples
Informational Videos: Short awareness films presenting typical fraud scenarios
Role-Playing Exercises: Participants simulate fraud situations to develop appropriate response strategies
Experience Sharing: Opportunities to hear accounts from fraud victims and experts
Social Gathering: Informal networking with specialists and other participants

Each seminar features speakers including Calypso staff, local police officers, and a psychologist.

Scheduled Events (2026)

September 11 (Friday) 5:30 PM at Mirabello Scala Library
September 16 (Wednesday) 6:00 PM at Sant'Alessandro Sauli Parish Theater
October 3 (Saturday) 6:00 PM at Ss. Crocifisso Parish
October 7 (Wednesday) 5:00 PM at Palazzo del Broletto Discovery Hall

Additional Support Services

Beyond public seminars, the project establishes structured counseling spaces at local community organizations where elderly residents can privately discuss their experiences with a psychologist. This provides victims with personalized psychological support in a confidential setting.

Educational Video Production

As part of the initiative, three awareness videos will be produced featuring elderly residents as testimonials alongside field experts. Having seniors deliver the messages directly increases both credibility and peer-to-peer connection.

Warning Signs and Prevention Tips

Key principles for elderly residents to prevent fraud victimization:

Exercise caution with unexpected financial requests
Never provide personal information via unsolicited phone calls or emails
Consult family members or trusted advisors before taking action
Verify government or institutional claims through independent contact
Trust initial instincts when something feels wrong

Reporting and Support Resources

Seminar participants receive information about ongoing access to municipal social services and police support. Particularly for victims, comprehensive assistance including psychological support is available through established city services.