Questore Lilia Fredella Discusses New Security Measures in Trieste Cafe Interview

Questore Lilia Fredella of Trieste issued a public warning on June 21, 2026, regarding a WhatsApp-based fraud known as the “ballerina scam.” The scheme uses social engineering to deceive users into financial losses through fake profiles and deceptive conversations, according to the police chief.

During an interview at Trieste Cafe, Fredella detailed how attackers use the messaging platform to target individuals with unsolicited messages. The scammers typically utilize profile pictures of attractive women, often posing as dancers or ballerinas, to initiate contact and build a fraudulent sense of trust with the victim.

How does the ballerina scam work?

The fraud begins with a “wrong number” or a friendly, random greeting sent via WhatsApp. Once the victim responds, the scammer engages in prolonged conversation to establish an emotional connection, a tactic common in social engineering attacks. According to Fredella, this phase is designed to lower the victim’s defenses before the financial solicitation begins.

After building rapport, the attacker introduces the idea of a lucrative investment opportunity. These often involve cryptocurrency trading or fake investment platforms that promise high returns with low risk. Victims are encouraged to transfer funds to these platforms, which are controlled by the scammers.

This method mirrors a global trend known as “pig butchering” scams. In those cases, the “fattening” process involves the emotional manipulation described by Fredella, while the “slaughter” occurs when the victim is convinced to invest large sums of money that they can never withdraw.

What are the primary red flags for users?

Fredella identified several indicators that a conversation is part of a scam. The most immediate sign is an unsolicited message from an unknown international or local number that attempts to start a personal relationship without a prior connection.

Other warnings include:

• The sender quickly shifts the topic from casual conversation to financial gains or investment “tips.”
• Pressure to move the conversation from WhatsApp to a different, less secure app or a specific trading website.
• The use of highly polished or professional-looking photos that may be stolen from social media influencers or performers.

The police chief noted that the scammers are patient. They don’t always ask for money immediately, which makes the interaction seem more authentic to the target.

How can WhatsApp users protect themselves?

To mitigate the risk of these attacks, Fredella advised users to be skeptical of any stranger who initiates contact through messaging apps. The most effective defense is to block and report the number immediately upon receiving a suspicious “wrong number” message.

Users should avoid clicking on links sent by unknown contacts, as these may lead to phishing sites designed to steal login credentials or install malware on the device. Fredella urged the public to never transfer money or provide banking details to individuals they have only met online.

WhatsApp provides built-in tools to report accounts for spam or fraud. Reporting the account helps the platform identify and ban the scammers’ numbers, though attackers frequently rotate SIM cards and accounts to bypass these blocks.

Why is this scam increasing in frequency?

The rise of these scams is tied to the accessibility of global messaging platforms and the use of stolen digital identities. By using a specific persona, such as a ballerina, scammers create a curated image of success and elegance that appeals to a wide demographic of victims.

Compared to traditional phishing emails, which often contain obvious spelling errors or generic greetings, the “ballerina scam” relies on personalized, human-like interaction. This makes the fraud significantly harder for the average user to detect until the financial request is made.

Fredella’s warning emphasizes that the sophistication of the social engineering is the primary weapon in these attacks, rather than a technical vulnerability in the WhatsApp software itself.