In a bizarre turn of events reminiscent of the film Mrs. Doubtfire, an Italian man is under investigation for allegedly masquerading as his deceased mother to fraudulently collect her pension. Various reports indicate that the man, whose identity remains undisclosed, crafted an elaborate disguise to deceive authorities and continue claiming the funds.

The 56-year-old’s audacious plan was uncovered by Italian officials when they discovered he had been visiting a registry office in disguise, attempting to pass off as his late mother, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. His mother, Graziella Dall’Oglio, passed away in 2022 at the age of 85, yet he allegedly never reported her death and continued to receive approximately $60,000 annually from her survivor’s pension, meant for her late husband’s benefits.

Surveillance footage purportedly shows the man approaching the registry office, disguised in a dark cardigan, white scarf, and mid-length skirt, and feigning the need for a cane, as reported by Italian media outlet La Repubblica. His actions, which began shortly after his mother’s passing, have now led to a formal investigation.

Authorities are examining charges that include concealing a corpse, defrauding state funds, impersonation, and making false public statements. This unusual case has captured public attention, offering a striking example of the lengths some will go to for financial gain.

The man—who allegedly began his scheme in the immediate aftermath of his mother’s death—is being investigated for concealing a corpse, fraud against state damages, impersonation and falsehood in public, per the outlet.

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.”