Useful tips

Scams do not go on holiday: from text messages to misleading phone calls, how to defend yourself against scams

Law enforcement and consumer protection associations in the field with prevention activities

by Davide Madeddu

8 July 2025

2' min read

Key points

Fake pagoPA report
Sms from a +63 prefix
Fake scholarship
How to defend yourself
Useful tips

2' min read

Scams do not go on holiday. Not even in summer, because it is precisely when one has the feeling of 'lighter' days that scams can happen. And there is no shortage of attempts. From the Web to the old sms system, to the more modern whatsapp, to the other messaging system.

Beware of e-mails, because, very often, behind a seemingly harmless or plausible message lies a trap.

The false pagoPA report

A message from pagoPa with the subject 'Payment Delay Notice - fine' and the number of the fine is arriving these days. The text states that 'the system has detected a delay in payment related to the traffic violation registered with reference #R... euro - reads the text - ègo (written just like that) has not yet been paid. You can view the fine details and pay online via our secure portal'.

There is then an invitation to click on the blue button marked 'check fine' and then the penalties for non-payment. The e-mail concludes with a 'Sincerely. The pagoPa team'. It is a pity that the e-mail does not come from an institutional address but from an e-mail linked to a foreign domain.

The text message from a +63 prefix

This is not the only message circulating on the net. By text message, just these days, two new messages are arriving.

One that starts with numbers with a +63 area code is written by a self-styled Flora working for a job advertisement platform, promising for a commitment of 60-90 minutes per day a daily fee of between 50 and 350 euros. The offer also includes a choice of time and location. The important thing is to be over 20 years old and to answer yes to the message.

Then there is the message that plays on fear. The sender does not display the number, but the words Cuup. The text reads: 'Please contact our Aus\04 CUUP offices urgently. Number 893... communications concerning you'.

Despite reports and some intervention, the phone call 'your CV has been selected' keeps coming in. It is not only young people who receive it, but also some people who, at 76 years of age and with a pension, are certainly not looking for a new job.

The fake scholarship

Also from these days is the message '"Hello! Please vote... it's my friend's daughter, the main prize is a scholarship'".

How to defend yourself

To combat the phenomenon of scams, the police, Carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza as well as municipal administrations and associations involved in the protection of consumer rights have long been mobilised with information activities but also suggestions on how to behave in the presence of deceptive situations that can range from the fake relative's phone call to the 'mirror game' to alarming phone calls.

Useful tips

Other advice given, as the representatives of Federconsumatori point out, includes never providing personal data, other than bank details. And also do not click on links that are sent by sms or found in suspicious e-mails. In case of doubts, suspicious phone calls or even approaches considered risky, it is always suggested to contact the police on the emergency number.