Holiday rental scam conned over 100 victims
The gang advertised their offers on legal websites
A HOLIDAY home rental scam has been uncovered by the Guardia Civil, who have cleared up 128 frauds and made 29 arrests in simultaneous raids in 18 provinces, including Alicante.
Officers also investigated 13 more people, and are analysing numerous computers, electronic devices and documents seized from the home used by the ringleaders, as they believe the number of victims could be much higher.
The operation was launched in September when they noticed an increasing number of complaints about holiday frauds on several specialised platforms and websites, explained a spokesman for the force.
Those responsible advertised on legal web pages offering accommodation at below market rates to get victims’ attention, and then charged them in advance.
The investigation established there was a complex gang divided into various subgroups spread around the country, and connected them with over 100 offences.
They were led by a man with a long criminal record for computer frauds, who directed them from a prison where he was serving time.
One part of the gang travelled to places where there were attractive properties, and took photos of them for use by the group which placed the adverts.
Another cell was responsible for obtaining false documentation to open bank accounts to receive the payments, as well as email addresses and telephone numbers for the adverts.
There was also a gang of ‘mules’ to transfer the profits between other bank accounts to hide the trail, and another which withdrew the money from cash machines.
The arrests were made in Madrid, Toledo, Ciudad Real, Pontevedra, A Coruña, Valencia, Alicante, Castellón, Ibiza, Bilbao, Santander, Huelva, Cádiz, Málaga, Granada, Murcia, Barcelona and Tarragona.
The 42 suspects are 12 women and 30 men, most of whom have police records in connection with similar crimes.
They are all accused of computer fraud, belonging to a
criminal organisation, identity theft and money laundering.
More than 75 bank accounts used by the gang have been frozen.
To avoid falling victim to frauds like these, the Guardia Civil advise that people should never negotiate outside of the platform on which the advertisement appears, i.e. unsafe channels or instant messaging applications, as in these cases the platform will not take any responsibility.
They also advise: never click on a link in an email, as it could be a virus; do not trust images of very attractive properties in desirable areas at excessively low prices; never pay the full amount up front, a 20% or 30% deposit is normal; read adverts carefully as many frauds seem to have been written automatically; insist on a contract and a receipt for the deposit in case there are any problems; and if it is too late call the Guardia Civil or National Police.