livorno Father and Son Face Charges in Aggravated Scam Targeting Elderly
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By Anya Sharma | LIVORNO – 2025/05/25 22:33:39
Carlo and Luca Tangheroni, a father and son from Livorno, are under investigation for their alleged involvement in an aggravated scam and self-laundering operation. The scheme reportedly preyed on elderly individuals through online banking fraud. Stana lana, a 46-year-old from Naples, is currently in custody in connection with the case.
According to the accusations, Stana lana sought “volunteers” to open bank accounts and withdraw funds transferred into them. The proposition was simple: “I make you a bank transfer,than go to the ATM as soon as possible,take them and 10% is yours.” Carlo,a 71-year-old pensioner and former cellarman in Venice,and Luca Tangheroni,a 44-year-old unemployed man,allegedly accepted this offer,opening accounts,including one at the Bettarini airports post office.
Agents of the Mobile Squad, led by Deputy chief Riccardo Signorelli, arrested the Tangheronis for aggravated scam in competition and self-laundering. They are now free with the obligation to report to the judicial police, defended by the lawyer Luciano Picchi.
The Promise of Easy Money
The Tangheronis were allegedly promised 10% of the stolen funds. However, police intervened before they could access the money. Investigators traced the funds back to lana, finding eight thousand euros in cash and “banking documentation that reconnected him to the scams” in one of the Tangheroni‘s apartments. The scam involved two elderly victims and a total of 45,000 euros.
Investigators believe lana would have kept 40,500 euros, sharing the remaining 4,500 euros with others involved. The Tangheronis,by allowing the transfers into their accounts,allegedly took on important risk,as the accounts were registered in their names. This made them easily traceable after the victims filed complaints. Authorities suspect they were the last link in a larger criminal chain involved in defrauding customers through compromised “home banking” access.
“I make you a bank transfer, then go to the ATM quickly, take them and 10% is yours.”
How the “Home Banking” Scam Works
The investigation suggests a well-organized system. It likely begins with a significant data breach, were financial databases are compromised, revealing account holder names, IBANs, and access data. However, this information alone isn’t enough to steal funds. Scammers also need the One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS when someone tries to access their online banking portal.
The scammers, posing as bank employees and using spoofed phone numbers, would call the victims, claiming there were ongoing scams and tricking them into revealing their OTPs.This allowed them to transfer funds out of the victims’ accounts, typically in amounts of 15,000 and 30,000 euros, into the accounts opened by individuals like the Tangheronis. The promise of 10% of the withdrawn funds served as the incentive.
Authorities believe this scheme may extend beyond Livorno, with similar “territorial representatives” operating throughout Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: how can I protect myself from online banking scams?
- A: never share your OTP or password with anyone, and be suspicious of unsolicited calls or emails asking for personal information. Always contact your bank directly if you have any concerns.
- Q: What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
- A: Contact your bank promptly and report the incident to the police. You should also change your passwords and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
- Q: How do scammers get my phone number?
- A: Scammers can obtain phone numbers through data breaches, online directories, or by using automated dialing systems.
Protecting Yourself
In an increasingly connected world with frequent data breaches, vigilance is crucial. Banks rarely ask for “OTP” codes over the phone. never provide this information and contact the police if you suspect any fraudulent activity.
