In Italy, an incredible scam has been uncovered, which local media have already dubbed a “Mrs. Doubtfire-style scandal.”
A 56-year-old unemployed man spent three years dressing up as his deceased mother to continue collecting her pension payments—all while keeping her mummified body at home.
According to Corriere della Sera, 82-year-old Graziella Dall’Olio passed away three years ago. Her son did not report her death; instead, he wrapped her body in a sleeping bag and hid it in the laundry room. By the time police discovered the remains, they were completely mummified.
To convincingly impersonate his mother, the man wore women’s clothing, a wig, applied makeup, and mimicked her mannerisms. He even managed to renew her ID at a government office on the outskirts of Mantua—appearing in character as his mother and completing the procedure.
Investigators estimate that through her pension and real estate income, he received around $61,000 annually.
The scheme collapsed when a government employee noticed the visitor’s unusually “masculine” features: a deep voice, a thick neck, and unnatural posture. The employee reported the suspicion to authorities. Police arrived at the home and found Dall’Olio’s body.
Preliminary reports indicate that the woman died of natural causes, with no signs of violence.
Francesco Aporti, mayor of Borgo Virgilio, described the situation as “very strange and truly tragic.”
The man now faces several charges, including:
-
fraud related to social benefits,
-
illegal use of a deceased person’s documents,
-
concealment of a corpse.
