- A 44-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested in Torrevieja for an elaborate online scam.
- The couple defrauded approximately €20,000 from 30 victims across 19 Spanish provinces.
- They created a fake website cloning a major telecom operator to steal victims’ banking details when recharging prepaid cards.
- Thirteen payment cards from Cyprus,France,Greece,Lithuania,and Poland were used,suggesting potential international victims.
- Authorities seized 65 mobile phones, 87 SIM cards, laptops, cryptocurrency wallets, and anonymous prepaid cards worth €12,000.
- The man is held in provisional prison, while the woman was released with charges. The investigation remains open.
Couple Arrested in Torrevieja for €20,000 Online Scam Affecting 30 Victims across Spain
A couple from Torrevieja, Spain, have been arrested after allegedly defrauding nearly €20,000 from 30 victims spread across 19 different Spanish provinces. The 44-year-old man and 31-year-old woman created a fraudulent website that perfectly cloned the page of a well-known telecommunications company, tricking users into entering their banking details while attempting to recharge prepaid cards.
How the Scam Worked
The scammers operated by designing a fake but highly convincing website that impersonated a major telecom provider. When victims tried to top up their prepaid cards, their sensitive banking information was stolen.
Using the stolen data, the couple created virtual payment cards via digital wallet platforms, linking them to their own phones. These cards were then used for purchasing various goods and services, including:
- Prepaid cards
- Cryptocurrency coupons
- Food products
- clothing items
Geographical Reach of the Scam
the victims live in a wide range of provinces across Spain, including but not limited to:
- Albacete
- Alicante
- ciudad Real
- Cuenca
- toledo
- Madrid
- Murcia
- Sevilla
- valencia
- Zaragoza
Moreover, investigators found that 13 payment cards linked to other countries – Cyprus, France, Greece, Lithuania, and Poland – were also involved, raising concern about possible victims beyond Spain’s borders.
Investigation and Evidence Seized
The fraud investigation, named “Operation Jupiter-44,” started in July after a single complaint was filed. initially thought to be an isolated case, subsequent analysis revealed a larger network of similar scams.
The couple attempted to conceal their identities by wearing caps and sunglasses and frequently used a car registered abroad but not in their names.Upon raiding their home, authorities discovered a “fraud operations centre,” which included:
| item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mobile phones (latest models) | 65 |
| SIM cards | 87 |
| High-end laptops | Several |
| Cryptocurrency wallets | 9 |
| Anonymous prepaid bank cards | Value €12,000 |
Current Legal Status and Ongoing Investigation
The judicial authority has ordered the provisional imprisonment of the male suspect, while the female suspect has been released with charges pending. Law enforcement continues to analyze the evidence seized as they follow leads, not ruling out the appearance of additional victims both in Spain and internationally.
Protecting Yourself from Similar Online Scams
Scammers frequently clone websites to steal personal and financial data. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Always verify website URLs carefully before entering sensitive information.
- Use official apps or websites of service providers.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited emails or messages asking for payments or personal details.
- Regularly monitor bank statements and report suspicious transactions immediately.
Staying informed and cautious online can help protect your sensitive data from fraudsters employing complex scams like this.
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