- The Guardia Civil arrested a couple in Torrevieja linked to 30 fraud cases involving fake websites and virtual bank cards.
- Scammers cloned a major telecom company’s website to steal victims’ banking details.
- Using stolen data, virtual prepaid cards were created and used for fraudulent purchases locally and across Spain.
- More than 30 victims across multiple Spanish provinces identified, with economic damages around €20,000.
- Authorities seized over 65 mobile devices, 87 SIM cards, multiple laptops, crypto wallets, and prepaid cards worth €12,000 during a home raid.
- The male suspect is in provisional prison; the female suspect released but charged. Inquiry remains ongoing.
Couple Arrested for Elegant virtual Card Fraud Using Fake Telecom websites in Torrevieja
The Guardia Civil has dismantled a well-organized fraud operation in Torrevieja, Alicante, arresting a 44-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman suspected of executing over 30 scams across Spain. The fraudulent scheme involved cloning a telecommunications company’s official website to illegally obtain victims’ banking details and create virtual bank cards used for multiple unauthorized purchases.
How the Scam Worked: Virtual Cards and Fake Websites
The fraud began when a victim inadvertently entered her banking details on a website mimicking a well-known telecom provider’s platform, intending to recharge her phone plans. This fake website collected sensitive data,which the scammers then used to create virtual banking cards thru digital wallet services. These cards were loaded onto the couple’s mobile devices, enabling them to make unauthorized transactions.
- Purchases were mainly concentrated in the Vega Baja del Segura area, notably in Torrevieja.
- Products acquired included prepaid cards, cryptocurrency coupons, food, and clothing.
- The suspects disguised themselves with caps and sunglasses and used a foreign vehicle with plates not registered in their names to avoid detection.
Investigation and Arrest
The operation, codenamed Júpiter-44, started in July following what initially seemed like an isolated complaint. Though, further investigation revealed numerous fraudulent transactions carried out on the same day using various virtual cards linked to numerous victims’ data.
After weeks of close surveillance, the Civil Guard arrested the suspects on August 13th and performed a search of their residence. The authorities discovered what they described as a “fraud operations center” with:
| Item | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | 65 | Latest generation devices |
| SIM Cards | 87 | Various operators |
| Laptops | Several | High-end models |
| Cryptocurrency Wallets | 9 | Stored digital assets |
| Prepaid Bank Cards | N/A | Anonymous cards worth €12,000 |
Scope of the Scam: Widespread Victims Across Spain and Beyond
Authorities have identified 30 victims distributed across various provinces, including:
- Albacete
- Alicante
- Badajoz
- Castellón
- Ciudad Real
- Córdoba
- Cuenca
- huelva
- Huesca
- Jaén
- Madrid
- Murcia
- Sevilla
- Tarragona
- Toledo
- Valencia
- Vitoria
- Zamora
- Zaragoza
Additionally, thirteen payment cards used in the scam were issued in Cyprus, France, Greece, Lithuania, and Poland, indicating possible international victims and a broader fraud network.
The total estimated financial damage from the scam so far is approximately €20,000.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
The local court in Torrevieja ordered the male suspect to be held in provisional prison, while the female suspect remains free but charged. the investigation remains active, and authorities believe more victims could surface as they analyze the seized devices and data.
How to Protect Yourself from Similar Scams
The Guardia Civil advises individuals to exercise extreme caution in the digital habitat, especially when making payments or providing personal information online. Here are some practical tips to avoid falling victim to such scams:
- Always verify the URL and domain name before entering sensitive data.
- beware of websites that mimic legitimate brands with slight spelling variations.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) were possible.
- Monitor bank statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
- Avoid downloading or clicking on suspicious links from emails or messages.
Conclusion
The arrest of this couple highlights the growing complexity and reach of online financial scams, especially those involving virtual cards and fake websites. With technology advancing,criminal methods evolve quickly,making public awareness and preventive measures crucial for safeguarding personal and financial information.
Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself against online fraud.
Sources: