- A couple from Torrevieja arrested for 30 cases of internet fraud using fake websites and virtual bank cards.
- Victims include people from Huelva and several other Spanish provinces.
- Fraudsters created fake webpages mimicking a major telecom operator to steal banking data.
- Illegal funds used mostly to buy prepaid cards, cryptocurrency coupons, clothing, and food products.
- Police seized multiple devices, SIM cards, laptops, cryptocurrency wallets, and anonymous prepaid cards worth €12,000.
- Male suspect imprisoned; female suspect released under charges.
- Investigation ongoing with potential international victims identified from multiple European countries.
Guardia Civil Arrests Couple in Torrevieja for Extensive Internet Scam Impacting Huelva and Nationwide
The guardia Civil has arrested a 44-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, residents of Torrevieja, in connection with a sophisticated internet fraud operation involving fake websites and virtual bank cards. The scam affected at least 30 victims across Spain, including individuals in the province of Huelva.
How the Scam worked: Fake Websites and Virtual Cards
The investigation, known as Operation Júpiter-44, began after a victim reported that they had unknowingly entered their banking details on a fraudulent website impersonating a well-known telecommunications company. The criminals used this information to create virtual bank cards that enabled unauthorized purchases at multiple businesses.
The main purchases made with these virtual cards included:
- Prepaid cards
- Cryptocurrency coupons
- clothing
- Food products
Operation Details and Seized Evidence
Police uncovered that the scammers operated from a “fraud center” inside their home in Torrevieja. During the raid, the Guardia civil seized:
| Items Seized | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phones | 65 | Various models used for fraudulent activities |
| SIM Cards | 87 | Used to activate virtual bank cards and fake identities |
| Laptops | Several | Used to manage scam websites and transactions |
| Cryptocurrency Wallets | 9 | Used for laundering illicit profits |
| Anonymous Prepaid Cards | Multiple | Valued at around €12,000 |
Legal Consequences and Investigation Status
The man was promptly placed into provisional prison while the woman was released but facing formal charges. Authorities have so far identified 30 victims, but they warn that the investigation is ongoing and expect to find more, possibly outside Spain.
Indeed, the fraudsters were linked to virtual cards issued in several European countries such as Cyprus, France, Greece, Lithuania, and Poland, which may indicate the scam extended internationally or involved victims beyond Spanish borders.
What This means for Internet Users
This case highlights the growing danger of phishing scams and the importance of being vigilant when entering personal or banking information online.Here are some tips to avoid falling victim:
- Always verify the URL of any website where you enter sensitive data.
- Be cautious with unsolicited emails or messages asking for banking information.
- Use two-factor authentication where possible for online accounts.
- Monitor bank statements regularly for any suspicious transactions.
- Report potential scams immediately to authorities.
Looking Ahead
The Guardia Civil continues to analyze the seized materials in a bid to fully understand the scope of this fraud network and to trace any further victims.This arrest serves as a warning that internet crime is increasingly sophisticated and cross-border in nature.
Residents and internet users are urged to stay alert and adopt safer online habits.
Source: Diario de Huelva – Detenida pareja implicada en estafas por internet que afectaron a víctimas en Huelva