Investigators traced fraudulent cash withdrawals to Orihuela Costa and purchases to a local shopping centre
Three men aged between 24 and 28 have been arrested in Torrevieja in connection with an alleged nationwide banking fraud operation that caused losses of almost €31,000.
The investigation was led by the Guardia Civil’s cybercrime team in Torrevieja after officers detected an unusual pattern of fraudulent cash withdrawals and purchases involving victims across Spain.
Although complaints had been filed in several provinces, investigators found that the cash withdrawals were concentrated in a specific area of Orihuela Costa. Fraudulent purchases were also repeatedly made at the same shopping centre in Alicante province.
The suspects allegedly sent text messages designed to appear as though they had come from banks. The messages warned recipients about supposed unauthorised transactions or problems with their accounts.
Victims then received telephone calls from people posing as bank employees. Investigators say the callers attempted to obtain online banking passwords and verification codes, allowing them to access the victims’ accounts.
Once the account details had allegedly been secured, cash was withdrawn from ATMs and used to purchase mobile phones, watches, perfume, clothing and other high-value goods.
The Guardia Civil said the group travelled frequently along Spain’s Mediterranean coast to carry out withdrawals and purchases.
The three suspects were arrested on April 30 while allegedly making purchases at a shop in Torrevieja. Officers seized €3,005 in cash, ten mid-range and high-end mobile phones and three laptop computers.
Eight alleged fraud offences have been linked to victims in Alicante, Almería, Barcelona, Guadalajara, Madrid, Murcia, Seville and Valencia.
The suspects are accused of continued fraud and membership of a criminal group. They were brought before a Torrevieja court and later released subject to precautionary measures while the investigation continues.
The Guardia Civil has advised the public never to disclose banking passwords or verification codes in response to unsolicited calls or messages. Anyone receiving a suspicious communication should contact their bank directly through an official telephone number.
