Summary
- Guardia Civil detained a couple in Torrevieja accused of 30 fraud cases via fake telecommunications websites.
- The scam affected victims from 19 spanish provinces, wiht estimated losses around €20,000.
- The couple created cloned websites to steal banking data and generate virtual cards for unauthorized purchases.
- Authorities seized 65 high-end mobile phones, 87 SIM cards, cryptocurrency wallets, prepaid cards worth €12,000, and laptops.
- The man was placed in provisional prison; the woman released with charges. Investigation remains ongoing.
Couple Arrested in Torrevieja Over €20,000 Online Fraud Involving Fake Telecom Websites
The Guardia Civil recently apprehended a man and a woman in Torrevieja, Alicante, accused of orchestrating a refined fraud scheme involving cloned websites and virtual payment methods. the case has revealed at least 30 victims spanning 19 provinces throughout Spain,with losses totaling approximately €20,000.
How the Scam Worked: Cloned Websites and Virtual Banking Cards
According to official statements from the Guardia Civil, the fraudulent operation began when victims unknowingly entered their banking details on fake websites designed to mimic a major telecommunications company’s platform. The perpetrators then used this information to create virtual bank cards through digital wallet services, which they controlled on multiple high-end smartphones.
- Victims attempted to recharge their prepaid phone cards on these counterfeit websites, unknowingly surrendering sensitive financial data.
- The scammers generated virtual payment cards linked to the stolen data for unauthorized spending.
- They used these cards in local stores across the Vega baja del Segura region to purchase prepaid cards, cryptocurrency coupons, clothing, and food.
Investigation and Seizure Details
The investigation began in July 2025 following a report received for what initially appeared to be an isolated scam. However, further analysis revealed a pattern of multiple fraudulent transactions carried out in a single day using different virtual cards created from compromised data.
After weeks of surveillance and operational monitoring,law enforcement located and arrested the couple on August 13. A search of their residence uncovered what authorities described as a “central operations hub” for their fraud activities.
| Items Seized | Quantity |
|---|---|
| High-end Mobile Phones | 65 |
| SIM Cards | 87 |
| Cryptocurrency Wallets | 9 |
| Prepaid Anonymous Bank Cards | Several worth €12,000 |
| High-performance Laptops | Several |
Scope of the Fraud: Nationwide and possibly International
Victims have been identified from a broad range of Spanish provinces including Alicante, Madrid, Sevilla, Murcia, Valencia, and Zaragoza, among others. The use of payment cards issued in Cyprus, France, Greece, lithuania, and Poland suggests the possibility of more international victims as the investigation deepens.
Legal Actions and continuing Investigation
The Torrevieja Judicial Court has ordered provisional imprisonment for the 44-year-old male suspect, while the 31-year-old female suspect remains free but charged. Authorities continue analyzing seized materials to identify additional victims and uncover the full extent of the fraudulent operation.
Protect Yourself from Similar Online Frauds
- Verify website URLs carefully before entering sensitive information – look for HTTPS and official domains.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links received via email or social media.
- Use multi-factor authentication on banking and payment platforms.
- Regularly check financial statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Be cautious of unsolicited requests to recharge prepaid cards or update personal details online.
Online fraud schemes like this highlight the importance of vigilance and cybersecurity awareness in everyday financial activities.
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