The Carabinieri Marshal scam , a widespread scam aimed at extorting money, jewelry, or bank details from victims, has also hit Riola and Arborea. Scammers exploit the name of law enforcement to generate anxiety and demand immediate financial assistance.
"It happened to my mother," wrote Lorenzo Pinna, the mayor of Riola Sardo . "Yesterday she received a call from this gentleman who introduced himself as Marshal De Gregorio. They initially asked her for information about her car. Then, since I was at home, I picked up the phone to investigate further. I immediately realized it was a scam, and at that point the call was disconnected. The real Riola Carabinieri Marshal told me immediately afterward that several elderly people are receiving these calls, so it's important to be alert, not to give out any information over the phone, and not to open the door to strangers."
Arborea Mayor Manuela Pintus also took to social media to comment: "Citizens, especially the elderly, are reminded not to open the door to anyone who presents themselves as a member of the police force, a lawyer, or another professional. If this happens, please call 112 immediately."