Key Highlights
- Guardia Civil arrests a couple in Torrevieja for over 30 cyberfraud cases linked to cloned phone company websites.
- Victims were tricked into entering banking data on fake websites, leading to unauthorized purchases via virtual bank cards.
- Extensive examination uncovered a sophisticated fraud operation involving 65 mobile devices,87 SIM cards,crypto wallets,and prepaid bank cards worth €12,000.
- Estimated financial damage totals around €20,000 with possible victims in other European countries.
- Male suspect jailed while female suspect remains free with charges; investigation remains ongoing.
couple Arrested in Alicante for Major Online Phone Company Scam
The Guardia Civil’s Operation Jupiter-44 led to the arrest of a couple in Torrevieja, Alicante, for their alleged involvement in more than 30 cyberfraud cases using cloned websites of well-known telephone companies.
A growing Cybercrime Scheme
The investigation was sparked by an initial complaint from a victim deceived into entering their bank details on a fraudulent website mimicking a recognized telecom provider. Using this facts, the suspects created virtual bank cards, which they then exploited to make unauthorized purchases at various commercial establishments in the Vega Baja region.
How the Scam Worked
- victims accessed what appeared to be legitimate telecom company websites but were actually expertly cloned by the criminals.
- Once victims entered personal and banking data, the suspects generated multiple virtual bank cards linked to those details.
- The virtual cards were used to make multiple purchases, often on the same day, enabling significant financial drain.
investigation and Arrest
The thorough investigations by the Guardia Civil confirmed a pattern involving more than 30 victims. Surveillance efforts revealed the perpetrators to be a 44-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman residing in Torrevieja.To conceal their identity, the couple frequently enough wore caps and sunglasses and traveled in a foreign-plated vehicle registered to a third party.
After weeks of monitoring, the couple was arrested in August. A search of their home uncovered what officers described as a “fraud command center” equipped with:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Modern mobile phones | 65 |
| SIM cards | 87 |
| High-end laptops | Several |
| Cryptocurrency wallets | 9 |
| Prepaid anonymous bank cards (€ value) | €12,000 |
Legal Outcomes and Ongoing Investigation
The Torrevieja Judicial Court ordered the male suspect to be held in provisional prison, while the female suspect remains free but charged. Authorities estimate the total economic damage caused by their online fraud to be around €20,000.
Intriguingly, the investigation has expanded beyond Spain’s borders after discovering 13 additional payment cards issued in various European countries, suggesting a broader network and perhaps more victims.
What You should Know to Stay Safe
- Always verify website URLs before entering personal or banking information.
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages directing you to web pages requesting sensitive data.
- Use official company apps or contact customer service directly for transactions.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your banking and financial apps for extra security.
- Regularly monitor your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.
Conclusion
This case highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals using cloned websites and virtual cards to commit fraud. Ongoing vigilance, combined with prompt reporting of suspicious activities, remains key to combating these scams.
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