In the Spanish capital and Barcelona, law enforcement officers conducted an operation that led to the arrest of five people suspected of organizing a large-scale fraud scheme. According to investigators, the group operated using the so-called ‘son in trouble’ scheme, where the perpetrators posed as close relatives of their victims via messengers and urgently requested money transfers.
The investigation began after a resident of the Toledo province reported receiving WhatsApp messages apparently from her daughter. In the correspondence, unknown individuals convincingly depicted an emergency and insisted on the immediate transfer of a substantial sum. Unaware of the deception, the woman sent €3,500 to the specified account.
The fraudsters carefully avoided phone calls to prevent being recognized by their voice. All communication was conducted exclusively through text, allowing them to remain anonymous and avoid arousing suspicion. The stolen funds were quickly distributed across several bank accounts and then withdrawn in cash from ATMs in Madrid and Barcelona. This method made tracing the money flows difficult and helped the criminals remain undetected by the police.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the detainees were part of a well-organized group with clearly defined roles. Some were responsible for finding potential victims and sending messages, while others managed bank accounts and withdrew money. As a result of the searches, five accounts were discovered through which illegal transactions had been conducted. In addition, it was established that this group was involved in similar crimes in other regions of the country.
Law enforcement officials note that such schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the number of victims continues to grow. It is important to remember: if you receive unexpected requests for money from loved ones via messaging apps, always verify the information through other communication channels. Only then can you protect yourself from such scams.
