Financial scams are on the rise and are affecting more and more Italian families. They directly affect the family economy because a scam can compromise the monthly budget, savings for children, the emergency fund and the economic serenity of the family.
L’ABI – Italian Banking Association – has published a new guide dedicated to the protection of citizens, with practical advice to recognize fraud attempts and defend yourself effectively.
The main advice from the ABI guide
Here is a summary of the key points of the ABI guide, explained simply and with real examples of scams that are circulating in Italy.
1. Don't trust urgent requests
Scams play on haste: “Act now or you will lose your money”.
Real example
A man of 62 years he receives a phone call from a supposed "anti-fraud office" of the bank:
“There is a suspicious outgoing bank transfer, we need to stop it immediately. Tell me the OTP code”.
It was a scam. The OTP code authorized the fraudulent transfer.
2. Never share credentials, PIN or OTP codes
The banks they never ask sensitive data via telephone, email o SMS.
Real example
A woman receives an SMS identical to those from her bank:
“For security reasons, update your app immediately”.
Click on the link, enter your credentials and the scammers empty your account.
3. Always verify the identity of the interlocutor
If you have doubts, close the call and contact the bank via official channels.
Real example
A pensioner receives a phone call from a number that looks like the bank's (spoofing).
The operator convinces him to transfer the money to a "secure account". It was a crooks' account.
4. Do not install software on demand
Criminals often ask to install remote control apps.
Real example
A fake “Microsoft” technician convinces a user to install AnyDesk to “remove a virus”.
In a few minutes he accesses the online account and empties it.
5. Be wary of miracle investments
High and risk-free returns do not exist.
Real example
A young man invests 5.000 euros in a trading platform sponsored by a fake influencer.
After the first “gain”, they ask him for more money to "unblock the withdrawal".
He will never see anything again.
How to apply the ABI guide in daily life?
Here are some simple but effective habits:
- Always stop for a second before clicking.
- Check the address of the websites (https, correct domain).
- Update passwords and devices.
- Talk to seniors and teenagers about these scams.
- Monitor account movements regularly.
The ABI guide was created to help citizens recognize digital scams which have become increasingly sophisticated. Criminals indeed, they exploit messages that they perfectly imitate cbanking communications, clone websites, phone calls with synthetic voices generated by AI and psychological techniques to create urgency and panic.
Click here to download the guide for free on the official website of the Italian Banking Association.
Alex Gaetani