Fraudsters
62 newsThe page turns scattered updates into useful context for people who live in Spain, visit Spain or follow Spanish affairs from abroad.
Spain flooded with used car imports as odometer fraud goes unchecked
Over 55,000 used cars landed in Spain in just three months of 2026. Most arrived with no way to check their real mileage, leaving buyers open to odometer scams and hidden wear.
Most Used Car Buyers Left Powerless by Odometer Fraud
A new study reveals that over 75 percent of European used car buyers would not know where to report odometer fraud. In Spain, more than three percent of checked vehicles showed signs of tampering, with little hope for financial recovery.
Fake Scrap Yards Target Car Part Buyers on Wallapop
A surge of fraudulent sellers posing as legitimate scrap yards is hitting Wallapop users. Buyers pay for car parts that never arrive while real businesses face reputational fallout and demand tighter controls from the platform.
Odometer Rollback Leaves Used Car Buyers Exposed in the Canary Islands
Used cars entering the Canary Islands can legally pass customs with tens of thousands of kilometers erased from their odometers. Buyers risk overpaying for vehicles with hidden wear due to a gap in verification rules.
Spanish Scrap Yards Demand Action Against Online Parts Fraud
Spanish scrap yard operators are calling for urgent reforms on Wallapop after a surge in fraudulent car parts listings. Criminals are impersonating legitimate businesses, leaving buyers at risk and damaging the reputation of authorized recyclers.
Fake Druni job offer lures victims with instant payouts then demands investment
A supposed Druni job offer on Telegram pays users for simple tasks then pressures them to invest more. Victims receive small initial payments, but the scheme quickly escalates to demands for larger sums. The scam exploits trust in well-known brands and leaves many at risk.
Serial Impostor Walks Free Again After Madrid Police Catch Him in the Act
José Trinidad Márquez, known as the Camaleón Criollo, was arrested in Madrid for attempting to defraud a businessman of 120000 euros. Despite over 20 cases against him, he was released with charges. His scams have targeted major companies for decades.
Formula 1 Fans in Madrid Face Surge of Scams as Grand Prix Nears
With the Spanish Grand Prix returning to Madrid, a wave of scams is hitting fans seeking last-minute tickets and accommodation. The OCU urges caution as fraudsters exploit soaring demand and sky-high prices around the MadRing event.
Tax Agency Tightens Oversight on Cash Deposits With €500 Notes
Spain’s Tax Agency will now monitor all cash deposits involving €500 notes. Banks must report any suspicious activity, regardless of the amount. The move targets tax evasion and unreported income.
Ten Years of Deceit: Spanish Woman Uncovers Husband’s Double Life
A Madrid woman discovered her husband was not a police officer but a skilled fraudster. Over ten years, he emptied her accounts, forged documents, and deceived family and friends. The case exposes legal gaps in marital fraud.
Guardia Civil Warns of Phone Scam Using Madrid Command Number
A new phone scam in Spain uses the Guardia Civil’s Madrid number to trick victims. Criminals pose as officers, seeking personal and banking data. Authorities urge caution and direct contact with banks.
Serial Impostor Arrested in Madrid for Posing as Guardia Civil
A 52-year-old man was detained in Madrid for impersonating a Guardia Civil officer. He convinced women to pay over €135,000 for access to judicial auctions. Police seized cash, phones, and fake credentials during his arrest.
AP-7 Toll Worker Arrested for Alleged Cash Fraud
A veteran AP-7 toll employee has been detained for allegedly pocketing over €1,200 by manipulating cash payments. The case highlights vulnerabilities in toll collection and could lead to a prison sentence if proven.
AI Glitch Exposes Suspect in Major Digital Identity Fraud in Murcia
A 35-year-old man in Murcia was arrested after a technical error revealed his real face during a digital identity scam. Police say he used AI to impersonate over 30 people and bypass security checks.
Prosecutors Seek Up to 17 Years for Leaders of Illegal Pet Trafficking Ring
Six people face major prison terms after a Barcelona-based group was accused of trafficking puppies and kittens in poor conditions. The case exposes a network of fake documents, animal mistreatment and luxury spending.
Seville Prosecutor Files Fraud Complaint Against Vito Quiles
The Seville prosecutor has filed a criminal complaint against Vito Quiles. He is accused of misleading donors by mixing funds for social causes with personal financing. The case could lead to prison if proven.
Catalan Tax Agency Uncovers €333 Million in Fiscal Fraud for 2025
Catalonia’s tax authorities have exposed €333 million in fiscal fraud for 2025, marking a 13% increase. Most cases involve inheritance, wealth, and property taxes. Authorities also identified false business relocations.
Bank Scam Network Dismantled After Massive Data Theft in Spain
Spanish police have arrested 13 people in a major crackdown on a bank fraud ring. The group used stolen data from half a million users. Nearly 2,000 victims have been identified so far.
Ávila Diocese Warns of Phone Scam Targeting Urgent Donations
The Diocese of Ávila has issued an urgent warning after detecting a wave of fraudulent calls. Scammers are posing as church officials, pressuring victims for immediate donations and sensitive information. The same phone number has been linked to similar schemes in other dioceses.
Police Recover €9,300 Lost in Valladolid 'Smishing' Scam
A Valladolid resident was deceived into transferring over €9,300 in a 'smishing' scam. Police identified a suspect acting as a 'money mule' and recovered the funds. The case highlights ongoing risks of digital banking fraud.
Guardia Civil Dismantles 'Hijo en Apuros' Scam Network in Spain
A criminal group using the 'hijo en apuros' scam has been broken up by Guardia Civil. Four people were arrested and three investigated after a resident in Castellón lost €7,000. The network operated across several provinces.
Police Dismantle Network Behind €140 Million Investment Fraud
Spanish police have broken up a criminal group accused of large-scale online fraud. Four suspects were arrested in Spain, Portugal, and Panama. The group allegedly laundered millions through fake investments and complex banking schemes.
Tax Agency Warns of Surge in Fake SMS About Processed Declarations
A wave of fraudulent SMS messages is impersonating the Agencia Tributaria. The fake alerts claim tax declarations have been processed and urge users to click suspicious links. Authorities stress they never request confidential data by SMS.
Fraudsters Use Ana Botín and El Mundo in Fake Investment Scam
A new scam exploits Ana Botín’s image and El Mundo’s branding to lure users to unauthorized investment platforms. The CNMV has issued warnings. Manipulated media and fake endorsements are central to the scheme.
Fake 'Like' Jobs on Telegram and WhatsApp Are Costing Victims Thousands
Criminals are exploiting messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to recruit victims with promises of quick cash for liking posts or watching videos. Initial small payments build trust, but soon victims are pressured into sending large sums—sometimes losing thousands of euros.
Valencia Family Arrested for €1 Million Pyramid Scheme Targeting Investors
Four members of a single family in Valencia have been arrested for allegedly running a pyramid scheme. Authorities say at least 81 victims lost their savings. The group used a fake investment website and lived lavishly off the proceeds.
Valencia Family Arrested for Alleged €1 Million Ponzi Scheme
Four family members have been detained in Valencia for orchestrating a Ponzi-style investment scam. Authorities report at least 81 victims and over €1 million in losses. Luxury goods and assets have been seized.
Crypto Scam in Castellón Uncovered After €340,000 Fraud Report
A resident's report in Oropesa del Mar led to the arrest of three suspects. The Guardia Civil exposed a sophisticated international scam using fake crypto platforms. Over 100 bank accounts were used to hide victims' money.
Wangiri Scam: The Missed Call Trap That Can Drain Your Mobile Balance
A missed call from an unknown international number may be more than a simple mistake. The Wangiri scam lures people into calling back, triggering costly charges. Here’s how the scheme works and what you can do to protect yourself.
Fraudulent Sites Target Gamers Ahead of GTA 6 Pre-Order Launch
A surge in fraudulent websites is exploiting the GTA 6 pre-order rush. Scammers promise early access in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. Cybersecurity experts warn of growing risks for eager buyers.
A routine street check exposed a long-running fraud scheme
Woman Receives Disability Pension for 16 Years by Pretending to Be Mute. In Andalusia, a woman received a disability pension for over 16 years, claiming she had lost her ability to speak after a psychological trauma. An investigation involving a detective and a court ruling put an end to the case. The court found that the woman could, in fact, speak, and declared the payments unlawful.
Gabriela Guillén reveals details of family betrayal and the sudden loss of her business
Gabriela Gilen returns from ‘Supervivientes 2026’ and faces betrayal and debt. Gabriela Gilen found herself at the center of discussion after returning from 'Supervivientes 2026'. Her business has disappeared and her debt has exceeded 60,000 euros. The reason: an unexpected family betrayal.
What Really Works Against Cold Calling and Phone Scams
How to Stop Annoying Calls with One Phrase: A New Way to Fight Spam. Persistent calls offering products and services have become a common nuisance for mobile phone owners in Spain. However, there is a way to stop these calls without blocking numbers or unnecessary stress — you just need to know the right phrase and use it at the right moment.
Fake Lidl Stores Target Shoppers Across Spain
INCIBE warns: Scammers posing as Lidl website steal personal data. A new wave of online fraud is sweeping Spain: fake Lidl websites lure shoppers with low prices and request personal and banking information. INCIBE experts explain how to avoid falling for the scam and what to do if you've been deceived.
Spanish criminals use multiple channels to steal banking data
Scammers Target Pensioners: New Scheme with WhatsApp and Calls Posing as Social Security. Spain is witnessing a surge in fraud schemes pretending to be Social Security payments. Criminals are combining phone calls, SMS messages, and WhatsApp chats to trick pensioners and benefit recipients into giving up their banking details. Authorities warn that no official agency ever requests such information in this manner.
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