Summary
- Guardia Civil arrests a man (44) and woman (31) in Torrevieja for online fraud amounting to €20,000.
- Thirty victims from 19 Spanish provinces, including Ciudad Real, were targeted through a fake telecom website.
- Fraudsters used cloned telecom operator website to steal banking info and generate virtual cards for purchases.
- Thirteen prepaid cards from Cyprus,France,Greece,Lithuania,and Poland were used,suggesting cross-border impact.
- Operation Jupiter-44 started in July after initial isolated complaint revealed links to larger scam.
- Police seized 65 smartphones, 87 SIM cards, laptops, cryptocurrency wallets, and anonymous prepaid cards worth €12,000.
- The male suspect is in provisional prison; the female suspect is released on charges; investigation ongoing.
Two Suspects Arrested in Alicante for Large-Scale Online Scam Affecting 19 Spanish Provinces
The Guardia Civil has made a significant bust in the escalating wave of online fraud targeting Spanish citizens. In Torrevieja, Alicante, authorities have arrested a 44-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman accused of defrauding approximately €20,000 from 30 victims across 19 provinces in Spain. Among these victims is the province of Ciudad Real, highlighting the widespread nature of this scam.
How the Scam Worked: cloned Telecom Website and Virtual Cards
The fraudsters operated by cloning the official website of a well-known telecommunications operator. Their goal was to deceive victims who were attempting to recharge their prepaid phone cards online. When victims entered their banking details on this fake site, the scammers captured their sensitive information.
Using the stolen data, the suspects generated virtual prepaid cards via digital wallet platforms. These virtual cards were linked to their phones,enabling them to make unauthorized purchases in the Vega Baja del Segura region. Purchased items included prepaid cards, cryptocurrency vouchers, food products, and clothing.
Scope of the Operation: Cross-Regional and International reach
Victims of the scam reside in diverse provinces such as:
- Albacete
- Alicante
- Badajoz
- Castellón
- Ciudad Real
- Córdoba
- Cuenca
- huelva
- Huesca
- Jaén
- Madrid
- Murcia
- Sevilla
- Tarragona
- Toledo
- valencia
- Vitoria
- Zamora
- Zaragoza
Moreover, investigators found that the scammers used thirteen prepaid cards issued in Cyprus, france, Greece, Lithuania, and Poland, indicating the fraud might have extended beyond Spain’s borders, potentially impacting victims in these European countries.
Operation Jupiter-44: Investigation and Arrests
The entire operation, code-named Júpiter-44, kicked off in July 2023, triggered by a seemingly isolated complaint. Though, subsequent analysis linked it to various similar scams, prompting a police crackdown. The suspects, who reside in Torrevieja, were seen using a foreign-registered vehicle and consistently tried to disguise their identities with hats and sunglasses.
Evidences Seized During the Police Raid
| Item | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones | 65 | Latest generation devices used for fraud coordination |
| SIM Cards | 87 | multiple numbers to cover communications |
| Laptops | Several | High-end models for hacking and managing operations |
| Cryptocurrency Wallets | 9 | Virtual money storage linked to scam proceeds |
| Anonymous Prepaid Cards | Various | Worth about €12,000, used for purchases |
Current Status and Ongoing Investigations
The male suspect has been remanded in provisional prison, while the female suspect is out on bail facing charges. Authorities stress that the investigation remains ongoing, as forensic analysis of the seized devices may reveal additional victims and potentially broader criminal networks.
This case underscores the risks linked to phishing and fraudulent websites, especially in telecom services-a common target for cybercriminals looking to exploit prepaid card systems.
Preventive tips for Users to Avoid Similar Scams
- Always verify the URL and authenticity of the website before entering personal or banking details.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible when dealing with financial transactions online.
- be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for account or payment information.
- Check your bank and prepaid card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to your bank and local law enforcement agencies.
The Guardia Civil continues urging vigilance and cooperation from the public to combat increasingly sophisticated online scams that threaten financial security at both national and international levels.
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