A nationwide operation led by Spain’s National Police dismantled 49 fraudulent online stores that deceived hundreds of people and stacked losses to well over half a million euros. In a sweep spanning Barcelona and Girona, seven individuals were arrested and investigators continue to pursue charges against ten more suspects as the case unfolds.
These counterfeit online shops advertised products at unbelievably low prices, often touting household appliances and computer equipment well below market value. Real-world deliveries never arrived, and buyers found themselves left without the goods or any real contact with the sellers.
The crackdown began roughly six months ago after cyber patrols conducted by expert agents uncovered a cluster of suspicious websites that appeared to operate with common methods and a shared setup.
The operation relied on a coordinated scheme where contracted domains were hosted on a server in Granollers, within the Barcelona area. The pages were crafted to resemble legitimate online stores selling a wide range of white goods and tech products at deeply discounted rates.
Those behind the scheme also managed the domains and ran the online storefronts, recruiting affiliates who were promised commissions for each sale they could drive to the fake shops.
After victims completed payments, many received nothing in return. In only a few cases did a portion of the money come back, typically around 70 percent, with the remaining 30 percent representing profit kept by the criminals. The pattern suggests a deliberate, repeatable process designed to maximize gains while minimizing risk.
The National Police have identified hundreds of victims across Spain who were affected by this scam, with total losses surpassing half a million euros. Authorities emphasize the importance of diligence when shopping online, especially for deals that seem too good to be true. The investigation underscores the ongoing threat posed by fake online retailers and the need for verifiable seller information, secure payment methods, and robust postpurchase support. Law enforcement agencies continue to pursue those responsible and to warn the public about the signs of phishing, counterfeit storefronts, and deceptive discounting practices that lure unsuspecting buyers.
Experts note that this case illustrates how cybercriminals exploit the appeal of bargains to harvest money before disappearing. Consumers are advised to verify seller legitimacy through official channels, check for comprehensive contact information, and review independent customer feedback before completing any online purchase. The investigation by the National Police highlights both the scale of modern online fraud and the persistent vigilance required by shoppers in Spain, and by extension in the broader European market.