Man arrested in Teruel over 'son in trouble' scams in Valencia
The National Police have arrested a 43-year-old man in Teruel for involvement in six scams in which elderly people were deceived by fraudulent calls. 1,530 euros, jewellery and watches were seized.
Arrested for transporting money from 'son in trouble' scams
The National Police have arrested a 43-year-old man in Teruel on suspicion of involvement in six 'son in trouble' scams, according to aragonplay.es. The detainee was transporting money and jewellery to another member of the criminal network operating in Valencia.
The investigation began following complaints in Torrent (Valencia) filed by predominantly elderly individuals. The scammers called them, posing as relatives with health or personal problems or as hospital staff, requesting urgent money for surgical intervention.
Social engineering techniques and multiple payment methods
The perpetrators used social engineering techniques to generate anxiety in the victims and get them to hand over money or valuable objects. In some cases, they went directly to the victims' homes to collect items. Payments were made via bank transfers and money transfer services.
Operation 'Lubo' and recovery of items
Operation 'Lubo', coordinated between the Judicial Police Brigade of Torrent, the Technological Crimes group of the Upper Command of the Valencian Community and the Provincial Police Station of Teruel, identified the detainee as he travelled to Teruel to deliver a bag containing money and objects from several criminal acts.
Officers seized 1,530 euros, 61 pieces of gold jewellery, one piece of silver jewellery and two watches, which were returned to their owners. The detainee was released after giving a statement and was warned of his obligation to appear before the judicial authorities when required.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)