An Italian man was arrested after allegedly disguising himself as his deceased mother to collect her pension payments. Officials say he used the woman’s clothing, a wig and makeup to resemble the pensioner, who was reported to be in her 70s, and attended a pension office to receive her monthly benefit.
Staff became suspicious when the claimant’s appearance and identity documents did not match. Surveillance footage and further document checks reportedly confirmed the deception, leading police to detain the man and open an investigation into potential pension fraud and identity theft.
Prosecutors are expected to determine the total amount obtained fraudulently and may pursue restitution and criminal charges. Under Italian law, convictions for pension fraud and identity-related offenses can carry fines and prison sentences.
The pension agency said it will review procedures to reduce similar risks, considering stricter identity verification and additional cross-checks when beneficiaries are believed to be deceased. The case has highlighted vulnerabilities in benefit systems and the need for stronger safeguards to ensure public funds reach legitimate recipients or authorized representatives.
Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activity related to pension collection and said ongoing investigations will clarify the full circumstances and any accomplices or systemic failings that allowed the alleged fraud to occur.