In a bizarre twist reminiscent of a Hollywood comedy, an Italian man is facing scrutiny for allegedly masquerading as his deceased mother to swindle her pension. Various news outlets have likened the case to the plot of the movie Mrs. Doubtfire, where the man reportedly donned his mother’s attire in a calculated attempt to deceive pension authorities.

The 56-year-old, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly caught in the act by Italian authorities. According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he went to great lengths to impersonate his mother, Graziella Dall’Oglio, who passed away at the age of 85 in 2022. It is alleged that he did not report her death and instead continued to collect her survivor’s pension, amounting to approximately $60,000 annually.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows the man making his way to the registry office, cleverly disguised with a dark cardigan, white scarf, mid-length skirt, and even feigning the use of a cane. This footage was highlighted by the Italian outlet La Repubblica, capturing the audacity of his attempts.

Legal action is now on the horizon for the man, who faces charges that include concealing a body, committing fraud against the state, impersonation, and falsifying public records. The investigation sheds light on a peculiar case of deceit that began shortly after his mother’s demise.

Comparisons between unverified images of the man and his late mother reveal his efforts to mimic her hairstyle and facial features, underscoring the lengths to which he allegedly went to maintain the charade.

In a side-by-side comparison (see below), unconfirmed photos of both the man and Dall’Oglio show his attempt to replicate his mother’s hairstyle and facial appearance.

reached out to the Registry Office of the municipality of Borgo Virgilio (ROBV), who is handling the investigation, but has not yet heard back. 

The man’s scheme was first uncovered by an office clerk in Borgo Virgilio, with the worker noticing the individual’s disguise as he attempted to renew his mother’s identity card, Corriere della Sera reported. 

When confronted by authorities, the man confessed to his disguise and agreed to a search of his mother’s home, where they discovered her body had “mummified” in the three years since her death—per the outlet. 

“The woman may have died of natural causes, but the autopsy will probably determine that,” Borgo Virgilio Mayor Francesco Aporti told Corriere della Sera. “It’s a very, very sad story.”