Authorities in Alicante Uncover Double Fraud Using High-End Phones and Counterfeit Notes
In Alicante, a 25-year-old man was detained in connection with two separate fraud cases involving the sale of premium second-hand mobile phones. Investigators linked the alleged crimes to a single modus operandi and allege that counterfeit 50-euro notes were used to make initial payments to unsuspecting sellers. The detainee now faces two counts of counterfeiting and fraud as the investigation moves forward. The case underscores how false currency can be introduced into legitimate peer-to-peer markets and the strict consequences that follow such actions. This summary reflects information released by the Central District Police of Alicante and is intended to provide a clear account of the events as they unfolded. Sources: Central District Police Alicante.
A formal inquiry began on February 24 at the Central District Police Station in Alicante after a victim reported a recent incident to authorities. The complaint described a familiar scenario in which a buyer arranged a meeting to purchase a high-value item through a popular selling app dedicated to second-hand goods. The victim recounted that the buyer arrived with cash and an apparent willingness to complete the transaction, after which the money given for the device appeared to be genuine. It was later discovered that the buyer had handed over counterfeit notes, specifically 50-euro bills, compromising the sale and leaving the seller with a counterfeit-heavy payment. The incident highlighted a growing pattern in which certain buyers exploit trust in online marketplaces to facilitate fraud. The police noted the persistence of this scam in the local market and the necessity of rapid investigative action. This recap is based on the police statement from Alicante and subsequent case reviews. Source: Central District Police Alicante.
A second incident mirroring the same scam
Police records show that only hours after the first incident, another resident reported a similar fraudulent encounter. A young seller agreed to transfer ownership of a high-end mobile phone for 1,120 euros, but the payment amounted to counterfeit currency—1,100 euros in counterfeit notes and only 20 euros in genuine money. The second victim described a very similar sequence: a meeting arranged through the same selling platform, a quick exchange, and the realization that counterfeit money had been used without the seller’s initial awareness. The pattern reveals how perpetrators exploit the perceived safety of online marketplaces and face-to-face meets to deceive unsuspecting sellers. The police have emphasized that this is not an isolated event but part of a broader tactic aimed at exploiting trust and quick cash. The Alicante police have urged caution among sellers who transact with strangers over digital platforms. Source: Central District Police Alicante.
Following the investigations into these two incidents, authorities identified the fraudster and established his location. As officers closed in, the suspect was apprehended while in possession of a high-quality mobile phone and a bundle of counterfeit 50-euro notes totaling around 1,200 euros, with the apparent intent to defraud another seller of similar devices. The arrest marks a decisive step in dismantling a scheme that threatens both sellers and legitimate buyers who rely on online marketplaces to trade used electronics. Police officials confirmed that the suspect had been planning further fraudulent activity before his apprehension, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures by both law enforcement and the community. Source: Central District Police Alicante.
The detainee was taken into police custody and held for processing at Alicante’s police facilities. The case has since been presented to the local court, which is handling the procedural steps for prosecution. The authorities have urged members of the public to report suspicious transactions and to verify the authenticity of money received in high-value exchanges. In light of these events, online marketplace participants are reminded to exercise due diligence, verify buyer credentials, and consider safer payment methods when negotiating the sale of valuable items. Sources: Central District Police Alicante.