A year-long investigation exposed a troubling pattern of fraud involving an elderly woman and a trusted caregiver. In this case, purchases charged to the locksmithing of trust became a heavy burden for the victim, who is 85 years old. The total losses exceeded 6,000 euros, and more than 175 separate fraud charges appeared across both online and in-person transactions. The authorities in Alicante disclosed that the alleged fraudster is a 32-year-old woman of Colombian nationality who was detained by police after a formal complaint was filed with the national police. The case is being pursued by the Economic Crime Group, which focuses on financial offenses harming vulnerable populations. [Citation: Alicante Police Department, Economic Crime Group]
Following a detailed inquiry by the Alicante Provincial Judicial Police Brigade, investigators reviewed the victim’s data and bank movements to map the scope of the scheme. It became clear that the elderly woman’s caregiver was central to the manipulation, orchestrating how the cards were used and how the account information was accessed. The card, long held by the 85-year-old, had a record of more than 175 fraudulent charges and withdrawals, all tied to circumstances far removed from the victim’s normal routine. The authorities are presenting a comprehensive timeline of events to establish how the caregiver managed to exploit the trusted relationship. [Citation: Alicante Provincial Judicial Police Brigade
The fraudulent activities reveal a stark contrast between the victim’s quiet daily life and the bold bets taken by the perpetrator. The card was used at a variety of venues such as cocktail bars, pubs, beauty salons, fashion outlets catering to teens, and even a dental clinic. This wide spread of locations demonstrates how easy access to the card could be misused when someone holds caregiving responsibilities. The investigation noted that the caregiver not only placed online orders under the victim’s name but also actively learned the PIN number. This knowledge enabled physical payments and cash withdrawals at automated teller machines operated by local banks. [Citation: Alicante Economic Crime Group]
As the evidence mounted, agents from the Alicante Economic Crime Group proceeded with the arrest of the individual accused of exploiting the vulnerable elder. The process involved careful collection of financial records, surveillance data, and corroborating statements from witnesses and bank officials. The aim was to reconstruct the sequence of actions that allowed the alleged fraud to unfold over an extended period. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding measures for elderly residents who rely on caregivers for daily support. [Citation: Alicante Economic Crime Group, Police Records]