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Summer SMS scams: Lawyer Ciro Buonajuto warns

Summer SMS scams: Lawyer Ciro Buonajuto warns
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Written by Andrew Navarro
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Summer is a favorite season for scammers, and this time they've even targeted a well-known face. Ciro Buonajuto , a lawyer and regional councilor, took to social media to share the details of the recently foiled SMS scam attempt , urging everyone to exercise extreme caution.

Buonajuto's story

"Caught up in the frenzy of the day, I almost fell into the scammers' net," Buonajuto explained. The message appeared to come from a well-known online booking platform and reported a payment issue for a summer vacation.

The lawyer called the number, believing he was speaking to customer service. When the other party answered, claiming to be the fraud prevention office of a credit card company , he became suspicious and immediately hung up.

Why summer is the worst time

"During the summer, this phenomenon becomes even more dangerous and odious," Buonajuto emphasizes. Cities empty, many elderly people are left alone , and they become the perfect target for those who exploit people's vulnerability and good faith.

For this reason, the regional councilor asks everyone to remain extremely vigilant and follow a few simple safety rules.

The rules for defending yourself

  • Hang up immediately if a call or message raises suspicions
  • Never provide personal or banking data
  • Do not call back numbers indicated in unsolicited SMS messages
  • Notify a immediately relative or law enforcement

Buonajuto finally thanked the Carabinieri and all law enforcement agencies for their daily work in the area and for the many arrests they have made: "We will not let our guard down."

FAQ

How does the SMS scam work?

You receive a message from a booking platform or bank, with a fake payment issue and a number to call back. The other party answers with fake anti-fraud agents.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious SMS?

Do not call the number back, do not provide any information , and immediately notify a family member or the police.

Who is Ciro Buonajuto?

He is a lawyer and regional councilor from Campania, who has publicly reported the scam he suffered via SMS.

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