Two women were arrested in connection with a fraud case that targeted a 57-year-old woman. Investigators say the suspects used a popular social network to create a believable romantic connection and then used that trust to obtain money through a series of transfers. The total amount involved is reported to be around 200,000 euros, according to the police statement.
The incidents began around June of the previous year and extended for nearly a year. In May, a resident of Elche filed a formal complaint after realizing that large sums had been sent to unknown recipients. The deceived individual had connected with the scammers on a well-known social platform and was led to believe that a genuine relationship existed. The fraud figure cited by authorities exceeds 200,000 euros in total losses.
According to the police, the victim communicated with up to four profiles. Two of these profiles, after masking their identities with aliases, convinced the victim that they were in a stable romance and proceeded to solicit money. One profile was responsible for roughly 160,000 euros and another for about 60,000 euros, as reported by the National Police.
The scheme involved calls to foreign numbers associated with people the victim had met online. The scammers asserted they were in a romantic relationship and insisted on money for various reasons, using deception to justify each request.
Following the buildup of trust, the victim made multiple deposits and transfers to different card numbers and bank accounts located both within the country and abroad, including the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium. Two suspects, aged 33 and 73, both Spanish nationals, were detained and subsequently released after giving statements at police stations while awaiting trial before the Judicial Authority.
Since the arrest, investigators indicate that at least six more individuals connected to the scam have been identified. The National Police continue to pursue active leads and do not rule out additional arrests tied to the case. The probe was conducted by the Judicial Police Brigade II of the Elche National Police Station, led by the Investigation Group.
Social media fraud alert
These scams rely on creating fake profiles or adopting fictional names to impersonate someone else. The perpetrators target vulnerable people who are drawn in by promises of romance, persuading them to hand over funds or send money transfers.
To reduce the risk of falling victim to social media scams, authorities recommend several precautionary steps. Users should consider setting private profiles that restrict contacts to people they already know. Be cautious of suspicious posts and always scrutinize interactions with strangers online. If someone you meet online asks for money, pause and verify their identity through independent channels before sharing any financial information.
Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy skepticism when forming online relationships. Trust should grow gradually, and any request for money from an online partner should be treated as a red flag. Protective practices include confirming the person’s identity, seeking second opinions from friends or family, and avoiding transfers to unfamiliar accounts or foreign destinations without thorough verification.
Authorities also remind internet users that romance scams often unfold through multiple social platforms and can involve different personas. Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity promptly can help prevent large losses and protect others from similar schemes.