Postage stamp scam uncovered in Viareggio: the Guardia di Finanza puts a stop to the €180 scam

A phone call, a parcel on its way, and a demand to pay €180 to cancel a subscription that was never taken out. This is the modus operandi of the so-called “cash-on-delivery scam”, which was uncovered by the Viareggio Financial Police following a report from a member of the public.

The incident began in October 2025, when the woman was contacted by telephone by a sales representative for a magazine dedicated to the activities of the police and security forces. The subscription was presented as a way of supporting the Armed Forces and the police. Although she did not sign up, in the months that followed she received several more phone calls inviting her to collect a parcel containing the publication.

In response to the recipient’s complaints, the representatives assured her that the parcel would contain all the necessary instructions for withdrawing from the contract. This detail aroused the woman’s suspicion, prompting her to contact the Viareggio branch of the Guardia di Finanza.

Just as the tax inspectors were taking his statement, another call came in. On the other end of the line, a man introduced himself as ‘Dr Capassi’ from the ‘Tax Inspectorate’, even claiming to be a ‘Tax Inspector’. The alleged official explained that the parcel was on its way and that cancellation would only be possible after payment of a postal order for 180 euros.

The immediate intervention of the Guardia di Finanza made it possible to thwart the attempted fraud and gather initial evidence. With the authorisation of the judicial authorities in Lucca, the consignment was intercepted and seized. Inside, a magazine was found that referred to the activities of the Civil Protection Agency. The investigations have already led to the identification of one person, whilst inquiries are continuing to identify all those responsible for the elaborate scam.