The Playa de las Américas @ Team, a cybersecurity unit of the Civil Guard, has proceeded with the arrest and investigation of a 44-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, both residents of San Miguel de Abona. They are accused of various internet fraud offenses, with the amount defrauded exceeding 5,000 euros.
The alleged fraudsters operated by posting rental ads for flats and rooms on social media and instant messaging applications. In many cases, the properties offered did not exist or had no connection to the detainees. They used psychological manipulation techniques to simulate non-existent business legality and gain the trust of victims.
The criminals took advantage of the current real estate market situation in the area, marked by high housing demand and a notable scarcity of supply, to exploit the vulnerability of those urgently seeking a place to live.
Once victims agreed to the supposed contract signing, they were asked for advance payments for deposits, management fees, and non-payment or anti-squatting insurance. Payments were made via instant payment apps, bank transfers, or cash deliveries. After receiving the money, the accused would delay deadlines with various excuses and eventually cut off all communication, leaving the victims without their paid capital and the promised housing.
The Civil Guard has issued a series of recommendations to avoid such frauds. They advise distrusting excessively low prices, verifying advertiser details (agency or individual), searching online for alerts from other deceived users, inspecting the property before any payment, and avoiding disbursements without sufficient legal guarantees or a verified prior contract. The Benemérita reminds citizens that complaints for computer fraud can be filed electronically through their Electronic Headquarters or the Cita Previa AGE application.
