A national police operation has dismantled a criminal network focused on debit card fraud, targeting victims across Spain. The group, based in the Barcelona metropolitan area with activity extending to nearby Maresme towns, amassed losses exceeding 100,000 euros. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the scheme, including the alleged leader.
The police reported that the scam relied on a phishing technique combined with what is described as SMS-based fraud. The offenders deceived shoppers by exploiting payment terminals at various stores, presenting as legitimate commercial entities in SMS messages and on counterfeit websites to lure victims into sharing sensitive financial data.
Members of the gang impersonated legitimate parties in order to prompt victims to reveal their bank card details, including card numbers, expiration dates, and verification codes (CVV). Once obtained, the information was used to commit unauthorized transactions or to facilitate further fraud, affecting individuals across several regions.
The operation concentrated its activity in the Barcelona metropolitan area, with additional focus on Mataró and Caldes d’Estrach. The arrests mark the culmination of a sustained investigation into a criminal network that operated between these communities and beyond, spreading the impact of the fraud beyond a single locality.
During the intervention, authorities conducted three simultaneous searches in Barcelona, Mataró, and Caldes d’Estrach. The seizures included more than 36,000 euros in cash, a motorcycle, 19 mobile devices, three computers, and multiple SIM cards used to facilitate the scam. The broad scope of the arrest operations underscores the organizers’ reliance on a mix of hardware and mobile technology to execute fraudulent transactions.
Overall, the police assessment estimated that the fraud affected a large number of people across the country, with damages exceeding 100,000 euros. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify additional victims and timelines of illicit activity, while prosecutors prepare charges against those detained and any other associates linked to the network.